December 22, 2009
LANSING - Service Employees International Union Local 517M (SEIU 517M) today announced that the memberships of its three bargaining units have ratified the tentative agreements reached in November with the Office of the State Employer.
The agreements achieve SEIU 517M's share of the $50 million in employee savings assumed in the fiscal year 2010 state budget and provide structural change in the form of a new health care plan for employees hired after April 1, 2010.
"This is a groundbreaking agreement," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "I appreciate the understanding and willingness of SEIU 517M members to help us address the budgetary challenges we face during these tough economic times by approving this agreement."
"We are proud that our state employee members are willing to continue to make tough, personal sacrifices to help in the challenge of Michigan's severe budget struggles," said Phil Thompson, executive vice president of Michigan Public Employees, SEIU 517M. "Our SEIU members understand the importance of doing everything possible to continue providing a high standard of service to Michigan citizens."
SEIU 517M represents almost 5,000 state employees in the scientific and engineering, technical, and human services support units.
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