(Source: MIRS.news, Published 03/26/2024) Legislative office employees at the Michigan House are currently engaged in an organizing campaign with Teamsters Local 243, the union said Monday, confirming a report MIRS published earlier in the month.
The employees initially contacted Local 243 in late January asking for help in organizing to improve wages, security and workplace fairness and respect, according to Local 243 President Scott Quenneville. Once Local 243 was called, union officers met with the employees to discuss strategy and outline a campaign framework.
"The Michigan legislative staff want nothing less than what all workers deserve: a living wage, fair treatment and respect for the work they perform on behalf of elected officials and the citizens of Michigan," Quenneville said.
He described the effort as "overwhelmingly positive" as the union continues to collect authorization cards. Once the necessary numbers are collected, they'll be taken to the Michigan Employment Relations Commission for a union-recognition vote.
This is the first phase of a multi-stage process that will continue over the next several weeks.
"All eyes are watching this important and historic campaign," Quenneville said. "Just like Teamsters who launched 'practice pickets' to win a new UPS contract, UAW members who went on strike against the Big Three to negotiate new contracts, the Michigan legislative office employees deserve a union contract that will provide better wages, improved security and respect, and give these employees an equal voice."
