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Union Powers Limited After State Board Vote

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A state board voted yesterday to restrict state employee’s collective bargaining power.  Ahead of the meeting, hundreds of union workers gathered to protest.  

A few hundred people gathered before the Michigan Civil Service Commission met. 

“I’m concerned with them taking away our overtime pay. I’m concerned with them taking away our seniority.”

Liz Burton is a chief steward for the Michigan Department of Corrections union.  She says she’s frustrated because the board is taking away rights they deserve. 

Mary Ann Cullen says unions are responsible for benefits that lots of people receive. 

“If anyone gets a lunch break, at all, they can thank a union. If anyone gets maternity leave, they can thank a union for that.”

The board restricted collective bargaining on, among other issues, seniority and overtime pay.

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—Cheyna Roth is a reporter for the Michigan Public Radio network.  Contact WEMU News at734.487.3363 or email us at studio@wemu.org

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