Labor Policy Initiative [Mackinac Center]

Reconsidering Michigan's Public Employment Relations Act
Michigan's Public Employment Relations Act requires local governments and school districts throughout Michigan to bargain collectively with unions representing their employees. Because PERA undermines the rule of law and burdens taxpayers with unsustainable costs, the Legislature should address its damaging impact, preferably by eliminating PERA.

Estimated Savings From Michigan’s 1997 State Employees Pension Plan Reform
Since March 31, 1997, new state employees who qualify for the Michigan State Employees’ Retirement System have been placed in a 401(k)-style “defined-contribution” retirement plan, rather than MSERS’ traditional “defined-benefit” pension plan.

Michigan's Public Employment Relations Act
The Michigan Public Employee Relations Act, which governs collective bargaining between local governments and their employees, is simultaneously among the most important and least-discussed laws ever passed by the Michigan Legislature.

The Effects of Michigan’s Prevailing Wage Law
Michigan's prevailing wage law adds to the cost of government and eliminates jobs. Most of the benefits go to high-wage workers.

The Case for Making Michigan a Right-to-Work State
Right-to-Work states have big advantages in economic growth and job creation. They are poised to overtake Michigan in terms of income as well.

Union Spending in Michigan: A Review of Union Financial Disclosure Reports
The average Michigan union spends less than half of its budget representing workers.

Restoring Balance to Labor Law
How a free market for unions would benefit workers.

All Labor Studies

Labor and Education Project

To improve Michigan’s schools we must reform state policies governing labor unions in public education. To help in this effort, the Mackinac Center’s Labor and Education Project offers advice and assistance to policymakers, school board members, school administrators and teachers as they grapple with a system of labor management designed for manufacturing industries in the mid-1930s.

A Michigan School Money Primer

This primer explains Michigan’s complex school-funding process. It is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in understanding Michigan school finances.

Attention School Board Members

This primer is designed to assist school board members and other interested parties in understanding the basic principles and laws of collective bargaining, including some of the major substantive and procedural challenges facing Michigan school boards.