Despite all odds, the members at Local 8287 employed by the Kalkaska County Road Commission in Kalkaska, Michigan, had their ULP’s heard before a Michigan Administrative Law Judge.
The 16-member Local has been in a three-year battle with the public employer and faced numerous obstacles and challenges all meant to weaken their commitment to remain Union. Starting with the election of Governor Rick Snyder, the state passed a number of laws requiring public employees to pay all financial increases after expiration until a new agreement is reached, pay 20% of medical insurance costs, and a “Right to Work” Law which is intending to weaken Union at the bargaining table.
Then, in 2013, the employer unlawfully imposed concessions on these employees including the state-mandated 20% Employee Contribution for Medical Premiums, a pension contribution of 13% and unlimited use of Temporaries which aided in the erosion of the bargaining unit. The employees reached out to their Staff Representative and the USW Legal and Strategic Campaign Departments for assistance in combating the numerous unfair labor practices. Despite a loss in take home pay of nearly $500.00 per month, these members remained committed to the Union and to each other.
This week, the Local received a decision from the Michigan Employment Relations Commission which ruled that the Road Commission unlawfully implemented terms and conditions of employment and ordered the employer to bargain in good faith and return to the status quo until bargaining is complete. The ruling also ordered the Road Commission to make restitution with interest to all affected employees.
The Local is pleased with this ruling but acknowledges that their day in court would not have been possible without the determination of the USW and of the members of Local 8287.
