Labor & Employment

HB 5290 requires public employers to negotiate minimum staffing levels as a mandatory topic in collective bargaining agreements for firefighters and other public employees covered under Michigan's 1969 firefighting safety law (MCL 423.231-423.247). This change applies specifically to units where employees face firefighting hazards, making staffing levels part of required negotiations. Employers may opt out of bargaining on staffing levels only if they face budget shortfalls from state revenue or property tax declines, or if a millage increase would be needed to cover costs. The bill amends sections 11 and 15 of Michigan's 1947 Public Employment Relations Act to update mandatory bargaining requirements.