By Jennifer Gomori, POJ Editor

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bills 4438 and 4439 into law today, extending immediate binding arbitration rights to county corrections officers and university police officers throughout the state.

A huge victory for labor rights, HB 4438 amends Public Act 312, allowing county corrections officers and university and community college police officers the right to settle labor disputes through compulsory arbitration.

“This legislation signed into law by Governor Whitmer is a positive step in providing the support our frontline public safety personnel need and deserve. The public safety community is dealing with recruiting challenges, and this will help attract qualified individuals,” said Rob Figurski, President of Michigan Association of Police Organizations (MAPO) and a POLC Labor Representative. “We are grateful to the Legislature and Governor Whitmer for their efforts.” 

“This is a change that’s long overdue. Police officers are among the first responders who have had access to binding arbitration to solve labor issues for decades. County correction officers are just as vital in keeping our communities safe, and they deserve access to this tool,” said state Representative Kelly Breen (D-Novi), chair of the House Judiciary Committee. “I was proud to work with a Republican for the companion bill and glad to see both receive broad bipartisan support before being signed into law.” 

The companion bill HB 4439, sponsored by state Representative Robert Bezotte (R-Howell), modernizes Public Act 312 by replacing all the references to “chairman” with the term “chair”.

These new laws bring equity and inclusion to law enforcement personnel throughout Michigan and are a testament to the state’s commitment to promoting labor resolutions through access to binding arbitration.