South Michigan News

Earlier this month, the Michigan House Commerce and Tourism Committee approved a plan to give local corrections officers the same access to arbitration as other law enforcement officers and firefighters.

State Rep. Jack O’Malley (R-Lake Ann) sponsored House Bill 5623 with Rep. Steve Marino (R-Harrison Charter Township). The bill would allow corrections officers to participate in an arbitration process during disputes at the local level.

Police and firefighters are not permitted to strike, so they only have compulsory arbitration. State law prohibits correctional officers from striking or engaging in arbitration.

O’Malley and Committee Chair Marino said the plan is a huge victory for the state’s corrections officers.

“Corrections officers serve the public honorably, and they deserve the same treatment as other law enforcement officers,” O’Malley said on the Michigan House Republicans website. “Every time they put on their uniforms, these hard-working professionals strike a balance between being the voice of authority, ensuring order within our jails and playing the role of counselor. There is no question they deserve the same benefits as our other first responders.”

Marino echoed O’Malley’s sentiments, anticipating HB 5623’s climb up the legislative ladder.

“Our corrections officers face tremendous challenges every day,” Marino told Michigan House Republicans. “They deserve the same respect and benefits as other branches of law enforcement.”

The Ways and Means Committee was next in line to review the bill.