Introduced
by
To establish that state university graduate students who work as research assistants are not considered government employees for purposes of enrolling them into a union. This relates to a <a href="http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/depts/edit/9051">Mackinac Center lawsuit</a> filed on behalf of graduate student research assistants (GSRAs) at the University of Michigan. See also <a href="http://www.michiganvotes.org/2011-HB-4003">House Bill 4003</a>, which would more broadly prohibit “stealth unionizations,” including an ongoing one involving home heath care aides and the SEIU union.
Referred to the Committee on Government Operations
Reported without amendment
With the recommendation that the amendment be adopted and that the bill then pass.
Amendment offered
To only exempt grad student research assistants from being deemed "employees" subject to unionization if the work they do does not meet an IRS "20 factor test" of employee status.
The amendment passed by voice vote
Passed in the Senate 26 to 12 (details)
To establish that state university graduate students who work as research assistants are not considered government employees for purposes of enrolling them into a union, if their work terms do not meet an IRS "20 factor test" for employee status. This relates to a <a href="http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/depts/edit/9051">Mackinac Center lawsuit</a> filed on behalf of graduate student research assistants (GSRAs) at the University of Michigan. See also <a href="http://www.michiganvotes.org/2011-HB-4003">House Bill 4003</a>, which would more broadly prohibit “stealth unionizations,” including an ongoing one involving home heath care aides and the SEIU union.
Referred to the Committee on Government Operations
Reported without amendment
Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.
Amendment offered
by
To leave the decision on whether student research assistants are "employees" who can be forced to pay union dues or fees to the Michigan Employment Relations Commission, which is essentially the status quo without the bill.
The amendment failed by voice vote
Passed in the House 62 to 45 (details)
To establish that state university graduate students who work as research assistants are not considered government employees for purposes of enrolling them into a union, if their work terms do not meet an IRS "20 factor test" for employee status. This relates to a <a href="http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/depts/edit/9051">Mackinac Center lawsuit</a> filed on behalf of graduate student research assistants (GSRAs) at the University of Michigan. See also <a href="http://www.michiganvotes.org/2011-HB-4003">House Bill 4003</a>, which would more broadly prohibit “stealth unionizations,” including an ongoing one involving home heath care aides and the SEIU union.
