DETROIT – With the aim of bringing attention to the work being done by Michigan's hard-working men and women, State Representative Fred Miller (D-Mount Clemens) took the House Labor Committee on the road and held a special session this morning in Detroit. The panel, which Miller chairs, took testimony on a bill that protects workers' rights by prohibiting use of state funds on activities that interfere with, or discourage, the rights of workers to engage in collective bargaining.
"Taxpayer dollars should not go toward union-busting activities – or pro-union activities for that matter. An employer can expend private dollars, but taxpayer dollars should only go toward the purpose for which they were appropriated," Miller said. "Taking this Labor Committee hearing on the road allowed us to shine a light on real-world experiences of workers around our state."
Miller is the main sponsor of House Bill 4443, which prohibits the spending of state funds that interfere with, or discourage, unionization – such as hiring consultants to advise on ways to impede a labor organization from fulfilling its representation duties. A person who knowingly authorizes an expenditure of state funds in violation of these rules would be liable to the state for civil damages equal to twice the amount of the expenditure, plus attorney's fees and costs. A person who has been found to violate this act would be ineligible to receive state funds for three years.
The special session was held late this morning at the Sacred Heart Activity Center. For an interview with Miller, contact his office toll-free at (877) DIST-031.