Thinking about joining? New Members share their reasons for choosing MAPE.
Among the many perks of MAPE membership are the free trainings and seminars.
Get the protection you deserve and the information you need to know!MAPE’s new interactive website features Members Only section, easy to find resources
By Jennifer Gomori, MAPE Editor
Welcome to the newly designed, visually appealing, interactive MAPE website! We are excited to share our new online presence with you while providing members and prospective new members easy access to information about all of the services MAPE has to offer.
A new Members Only section has been added to provide members with information and member resources. The MAPE Office is in the process of reaching out to the Presidents of member units to provide them with details to create your Members Only accounts, so you can login to this private section of the website. As Members Only expands over time, we welcome your input about the types of items you would like to access in this section.
The website's fresh look includes quick links to articles about the experiences of new members, upcoming member training seminars, and what MAPE Full Service Representation entails.
Message from the Executive Director
40 years and still growing
By Fred Timpner, MAPE Executive Director
Forty years ago this month (December 2023), several local police agencies came together to form a new law enforcement Union. Out of that meeting, the Michigan Association of Police and the Michigan Association of Public Employees were formed. Shortly thereafter, the Michigan Association of Fire Fighters was also created.
As a new Union, MAPE was established based upon the following bedrock principles:
- Honesty
- Transparency
- Respect
- Service
- Every local unit, regardless of size, has a seat on the Executive Board of the Union.
- The Union will be guided by the understanding that the Union works for the members, not the members working for the Union.
- Labor Relations Training will be provided to members and their local leaders.
3 bills signed into law this week support Michigan public union employees
Three bills were signed into law this week improving conditions for public union employees throughout the state.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bill 169, House Bill 4230 and House Bill 4234 on Nov. 29, 2023, removing barriers for Unions representing public employees in Michigan.
“Since taking office, we have made real progress improving the efficiency of state government and making Michigan the best place to live, work, invest, and raise a family,” Whitmer said of these and several other bills she signed Nov. 29. “Today’s bills take important steps to cut unnecessary red tape … and advocate for better working conditions … among other things.”
Senate Bill 169, which was sponsored by state Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint), requires public employers to provide collective bargaining representatives with their employees’ employment and contact information.
Detroit Housing Commission Employees change unions to improve communication, representation
By Jennifer Gomori, MAPE Editor
Detroit Housing Commission (DHC) Employees were represented by Operating Engineers Local 324 for decades, but the time had come to find a Union that really listened to their concerns.
“Detroit Housing Commission used to be part of the City. When DHC broke away from the City, they stayed with the Union but it’s primarily for engineers so it wasn’t real beneficial for us,” said Alicia Ward, Local Union President for Detroit Housing Commission Employees.
“There was no communication. They weren’t representing us very well at all,” she said. “I don’t know who they were focused on, but they weren’t focused on us. They weren’t filing grievances when we asked. When Union (negotiations) meetings were cancelled by the Employer, they weren’t pushing for a new date.”
Legislature ends session passing clean energy, final disclosure, supplemental bills
Karoub Associates released the November 2023 Karoub Report detailing the passage of legislation before the Michigan Legislature adjourned for the year.
This week, the Legislature approved a package of energy bills that align with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate Plan. After the Governor signs SB 271, SB 273, SB 502, SB 519 and SB 277, Michigan will require 60 percent of utility electricity generation come from renewable sources by 2035 and 100 percent of utility electricity generation meet an overall comprehensive clean energy standard by 2040. Once signed by the Whitmer, HB 5210 and HB 5122 would transfer some sitting authority over large solar and wind projects from local government to the Michigan Public Service Commission.
“With passage of these game-changing bills, Michigan will become a national leader on clean energy. These bills will help us make more clean, reliable energy right here in Michigan, creating tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, and lowering utility costs for every Michigander by an average of $145 a year," Whitmer said. "Getting this done will also reduce our reliance on foreign fuel sources, while protecting our air, water, and public health. Today we are protecting everything we know and love about pure Michigan.”
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