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MI Builders & Contractors Voice Opposition to Proposed Repeal of Ban on Labor Discrimination

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The Michigan Fair and Open Competition in Government Construction Act would be repealed under new legislation proposed in the Michigan State House of Representatives, and that has the Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan up in arms.

That group has announced their strong opposition to the newly rolled out legislation that would repeal the act.

The Act bans discrimination in state and local government construction hiring based on a workers’ union affiliation and the ways those workers choose to exercise their constitutional rights.

Jimmy Greene, President of ABC Michigan, argues, “There is no place in Michigan for labor discrimination – none,” and adds, “Every worker in Michigan—regardless of labor affiliation–deserves lawmakers’ respect, and every worker in Michigan deserves equal opportunities in state contracting.”

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Greene goes on to say, “State law protects every single qualified worker’s ability to work on projects funded by their own tax dollars, and the House should have zero tolerance for discrimination based on union status. In Michigan there are no second-class citizens. It is astounding and appalling that this bill was even introduced.”

The association says that House Bill 4593, introduced Thursday by state Representative Samantha Steckloff, would legalize labor discrimination, permitting state and local government to block a majority of Michigan workers from state and local construction work based on how they exercise their constitutional rights. They further argue that the legislation would overturn state labor law that bans government-mandated project labor agreements, or PLAs, tools used in the past to discriminate based on union status.

Democrats also have introduced House Bill 4594, their latest attempt to repeal the state’s important prevailing wage reforms, which protect workers and taxpayers during public construction contracting.

Greene contends, “These bills are a broadside attack on Michigan workers, Michigan taxpayers, and Michigan’s middle class,” adding, “Neither of these bills deserves to ever see the light of day.”

Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan is a statewide association serving Michigan’s commercial and industrial construction sectors. Founded on the merit shop philosophy to provide equal opportunities to all contractors and all workers, ABC of Michigan works to help employer members develop people, win work, and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work.