Michigan Collective Bargaining Initiative to be on Ballot

The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled Monday afternoon that a proposed November ballot question to enshrine collective bargaining rights in the state’s constitution should be put before voters.

“It’s a major victory for working people,” said Karen Kuciel, a Warren Consolidated Schools teacher. “Collective bargaining will be on the ballot for a vote. Now we must overcome the corporate special interests at the ballot box to ensure we have a voice for fair wages, benefits and safe working conditions for all of us.”

But opponents are expected to appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court.

It’s been a wild ride for the ballot initiative.

Supporters collected nearly 700,000 signatures to put a proposal protecting collective bargaining on the ballot. The petition was approved by the state’s Board of Canvassers in March.

But in July, Attorney General Bill Schuette – at the request of GOP Gov. Rick Snyder – issued an erroneous and politically-motivated opinion to take it off the ballot. Then, the Board of Canvassers deadlocked along party lines, blocking citizens from voting on the proposal in November.  That’s what sent the fight to the state’s courts.