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Mike Williams, an auto repair paraprofessional at Northwest Education Services in Traverse City, reached out to Michigan Capitol Confidential in December 2022 about his frustration with the Michigan Education Association. The union was supposed to represent him and his co-workers, he said, but it was largely absent from the bargaining table.
Williams and his co-workers, after years of inaction by the union, were setting out to decertify the MEA.
The union had only secured a 70 cents-per-hour raise between 2007 and 2017, Williams told CapCon. Unhappy with this performance, he left the union, though he later rejoined at the request of colleagues. They took it upon themselves to negotiate their 2021-24 contract, with no help from the MEA.
Williams and his team got help from several parties, including the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Although it was not easy, they were able to form a new association recognized by the Michigan Employment Relations Commission, Williams told CapCon.
It’s important for Michiganders to know their employment rights and exercise them, as this story shows. Williams, aided by the Mackinac Center and CapCon, led by example, showing other workers throughout the state that, if they are dissatisfied with their representation, they can make effective change.
Michigan repealed its right-to-work law in 2023. CapCon has since seen many people come forward for help in understanding their rights. Their bravery will help others get fair treatment in the workplace.
One of the joys of reporting news for Michigan Capitol Confidential is helping people understand their rights. If other bargaining units or employees are dissatisfied with their representation and want to know how to decertify or deauthorize their union, they can contact Michigan Capitol Confidential or the Mackinac Center.
We will work to help them protect their rights.
