State of Michigan May Intervene Amid Federal Mediation Cuts
Amidst federal cutbacks impacting contract mediation, Michigan labor officials are preparing to potentially step in to mediate private sector disputes. This development follows directives from the Trump Administration to scale down the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) to its base levels.
The issue was a key topic during a recent meeting of Michigan’s state Senate Labor Committee. A notice on the FMCS website indicates that the agency is currently assessing the implementation of executive orders, which may alter some of their services.
Sean Egan, Deputy Director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, highlighted the significance of federal mediators. Egan remarked, “Inevitably, you would presume it will prolong strikes because you won’t have that neutral third party there trying to pull the parties together, trying to help them work through issues.” He noted the challenges that arise in contract negotiations without third-party mediation.
In response to these federal changes, Michigan has begun enhancing its mediation capabilities. This state-level expansion could prove beneficial, especially in significant negotiations involving parties like the United Auto Workers and major automakers. However, Egan acknowledged potential challenges in engaging across state lines, given differing state policies.
Michigan also has contingencies in place to handle roles typically managed by the National Labor Relations Act. However, the state’s approach through the Employment Relations Commission differs from the National Labor Relations Board’s process, which can complicate the resolution of unfair practice complaints. Egan explained that while the national model involves multiple steps including investigation, Michigan’s approach swiftly progresses to hearings.
“The not so good part for the individual worker is they’re kind of standing there by themselves to try to present a case, which may be against a bunch of lawyers, a big corporation, could be whatever,” Egan stated, illustrating the challenges workers might face under this system.
Beyond labor disputes, the committee also listened to testimonies from current and former federal employees in Michigan affected by recent job cuts. Nicole Rice, a former employee of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), discussed the implications of over a thousand layoffs on crucial environmental monitoring activities.
Rice emphasized the impact: “We are losing capacity. NOAA has halted contract approvals. Delayed vessel deployments, and cut funding for basic field work. That means no algal bloom monitoring, no shoreline mapping, no new data for forecasts, and no shipwreck buoys for divers in our marine sanctuaries.”
These federal reductions, driven by the Department of Government Efficiency, have been defended by the administration as cost-saving measures. However, they have faced criticism from unions and interest groups for disrupting essential services. Some affected employees have successfully contested their layoffs in court, although others have faced repeated job losses.
During the hearing, Rice and her colleagues urged Michigan to advocate for federal workers and offer support such as mental health services and job placement assistance.
—
Read More Michigan News
