Democrats retain Michigan Executive offices, flip control of Senate, House in unofficial election results
In a historic election, Democrats not only retained the office of Michigan Governor, Attorney General and Secretary
of State, according to unofficial election results, but also took control of the State Senate and House of Representatives.
As reported in the November 2022 Karoub Report, Democrats won the Senate majority for the first time since 1984, with a 20-18 majority, based on unofficial Nov. 8 election results. Controlled by a Republican majority since 2010, Democrats also flipped control of the House of Representatives with unofficial results of a 56-54 majority.
Three ballot proposals amending the Michigan Constitution have also passed, acccording to preliminary election results.
For more election coverage details, please click here for the November 2022 Karoub Report.
Whitmer signs legislation protecting public safety, municipal retirees
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed several bipartisan bills including legislation to protect public safety and municipal retirees, improve mental health standards, increase polling locations, and explore further clean energy production.
“These bipartisan bills deliver on a range of kitchen-table issues and are proof of what’s possible when we work across the aisle to put Michiganders first,” Whitmer said. “Together, we are increasing the number of corrections officers, immediately establishing stronger standards for mental health transport for involuntary hospitalizations, increasing the number of polling places available to voters, and conducting a study to determine the feasibility of nuclear energy in Michigan. Let’s keep getting it done and move Michigan forward.”
Bills signed into law which impact public safety and municipal employees include:
- HB 5765: Allows retired corrections officers to work as needed under certain circumstances without losing retirement allowance.
- HB 4414: Relieves the burden on counties and sheriffs by immediately allowing them to contract with a private entity to transport a person taken into protective custody by an officer to get a mental health screening or treatment.
- SB 1041: Updates the administrative procedures act to ensure it does not conflict with the municipal employees retirement act.
- SB 1042: Provides retirees the option for a hearing to address a grievance in Municipal Employees Retirement System.
Please click here for more details on the recent legislation signed into law.
Career MAP member, longtime Firefighter shares Union background as MAFF Labor Relations Specialist
By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor
After spending nearly his entire law enforcement career as a MAP member and several years as a Local Union representative, Gregg Allen is sharing his experience as a MAFF Labor Relations Specialist.
Allen was hired Oct. 3, 2022, after retiring as a Waterford Township Police Detective in July 2022. He served the department 21 years, spending the last two years as Local Union President.
“I was the Local Union Trustee for several years before becoming the Secretary for two years and then President for the last two years,” Allen said. “Initially, I wanted to get more involved with the Union so I began working as a Trustee because … there weren’t any (board) positions available. When the Secretary retired, I put in for it and got more involved with negotiations, grievances and discipline. The President later retired, but the Vice President didn’t want the position and I had more experience than him, so I ran for President.”
Allen is in his 12th year protecting his community as a Paid-on-Call (POC) Firefighter with North Oakland County Fire Authority, in Holly and Rose Township. A former POC Sergeant, he’s represented North Oakland County Firefighters Association members as an Executive Board Sergeant At Arms and Secretary for one term each. Through the Association, he’s helped with many local fundraisers for area children.
“I was a Sergeant for three years, but because I was Paid-on-Call when they hired full-time staff and couldn’t devote the amount of time needed to fulfill the responsibilities, the position was offered to a full-time member,” he said.
The issues he sees as the most pressing to Union members are retirement benefits and health care.
“A lot of our departments are going to Health Savings Accounts and that’s drastically affecting Employees and their families and forcing them to work longer,” he said. “That takes many Employees into their 60s, which shortens their lifespan by causing them more health issues (as they continue to work).”
Northfield Township Fire Fighters
CONTRACT
“Signing of the contract was delayed since the Employer merged the NEW Full-Time Fire Fighters into the existing contract,” said MAFF Labor Relations Specialist Joe O’Connor.
“Three Full-Time Fire Fighters were added. Existing Paid-on-Call Fire Fighters were promoted (to the Full-Time positions),” said Brad Rennells, Northfield Township Fire Fighters Local Union Treasurer. “It better impacted the services as we were able to fill the schedule. It was very difficult scheduling around everyone’s full-time jobs. We still have the core group of volunteers and we‘ve had a couple new hires since the contract, and we’re also in the process of bringing on a few more, so things are looking bright hopefully,” Rennells said of staff retention. “(Paid-on-Call) used to have a tiered structure, so depending on what we were doing, you were paid differently. Getting that one consistent rate for whatever we were doing was a huge plus on our side. For Lieutenants and Captains … there were pluses and minuses to both stipend and hourly. Collectively, we wished for an hourly wage without stipulations. Previously, you had to make 30% of the calls or you didn’t get paid (the stipend).”
Contract Duration: 3-year agreement ratified Nov. 2021 and effective 7-1-21 thru 6-30-24.
Wage Increases:
$22 hourly effective July 1, 2021 for Paid-on-Call (POC).
$17 hourly effective July 1, 2021 for POC Duty Shifts.
$14.50 hourly effective July 1, 2021 for POC Training.
$20.50 hourly effective Jan. 1, 2022 for POC, Duty Shifts & Training.
$22.66 hourly effective Jan. 1, 2022 for Lieutenants.
$23.87 hourly effective Jan. 1, 2022 for Captains.
Wage Reopener for all above Employees July 1, 2023.
Wage Increases for NEW Full-Time Fire Fighters:
$48,000 annually effective July 1, 2021.
$53,000 annually effective July 1, 2022.
$59,000 annually effective July 1, 2023.
****$68,000 annually effective July 1, 2024.
Senate passes landmark legislation benefitting all toxic-exposed veterans
U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) – a U.S. veteran and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee – helped the Senate pass historic bipartisan legislation, the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, to deliver health care and benefits earned by all toxic-exposed veterans for the first time in our nation’s history.
“When veterans are exposed to harmful substances in service to our nation, we must ensure they receive the VA benefits and medical care that they’ve earned,” said Senator Peters, a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and the son of a World War II veteran. “It’s simply unacceptable that veterans have faced years and even decades of inaction to get this necessary care. I was proud to help pass this landmark bipartisan package which will finally ensure all veterans in Michigan and across the country can obtain their long-overdue health care benefits.”
The legislative package – led by U.S. Senators John Tester (D-MT) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) – will ensure veterans exposed to toxic substances can access essential services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
2022 Carl Parsell Scholars honored for academic excellence, service
By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor
Nicholas Hawrylko of Washington Township and Chloe Mietelka of Jackson were honored with $2,500 Carl Parsell Scholarships. The two leaders were recognized for their academic excellence and commitment to their communities and schools.
Mietelka received her award during the 32nd Annual Carl Parsell Memorial Golf Outing on June 9, 2022 at Links of Novi. Hawrylko also received his scholarship recognition in June, but was unable to attend the awards ceremony, which was the same day as his high school graduation.
The Carl Parsell Scholarship Fund was established in 1991 to continue the legacy of Parsell, a law enforcement union movement pioneer, by improving the lives and futures of others, through education. Scholarships are awarded annually to Michigan family members of Michigan Association of Police (MAP), Michigan Association of Fire Fighters (MAFF) and Michigan Association of Public Employees (MAPE) union members.
Since the fund's establishment, $138,000 in scholarships have been awarded. Funds for the scholarships are derived from the Annual Carl Parsell Memorial Scholarship Golf Outing.
Carl Parsell Scholar earns high honors for academics, exemplifies leadership, community service
By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor
Chloe Mietelka understands the importance of balancing academics, leadership activities and community involvement. For these reasons, the dual-enrolled college and high school student was selected as a 2022 Carl Parsell Scholarship recipient.
“It means a lot because I appreciate they recognized me out of the other people who sent in their applications,” Mietelka said of the $2,500 scholarship. “I’m thankful for having the scholarship to use toward college. It will help me have less debt.”
Mietelka, a Jackson resident, is the daughter of MAPE City of Jackson Maintenance Worker III Steven M. Mietelka and Mary K. Mietelka.
The Grass Lake High School Honors student graduated with a 4.2 GPA and plans to attend Michigan State University (MSU) this fall to study Advertisement Management.
Receiving high honors and perfect attendance throughout high school, Mietelka is Salutatorian of her graduating class. She’s served as Grass Lake High School Student Council Secretary for four years and as a member of National Honor Society.
“I’ve been on student council since freshman year and in National Honor Society since sophomore year,” she wrote in her scholarship application. “In both groups, we value the idea of serving our community and leadership within the school. Ways in which I have honored these values include collaborating with administrators to improve the school atmosphere and arranging community service projects, such as Octoberfest, with the elementary schoolers and a variety of drives.”
Cambridge Township Firefighters unionize for parity with fellow municipal employees
By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor
Cambridge Township Paid-on-Call (POC) Firefighters were not looking to make major changes within their department when they decided to unionize – they just wanted some parity with other Township Employees.
The 32-member unit voted overwhelming in favor of joining Michigan Association of Fire Fighters (MAFF) to represent them in March 2022.
“We talked a lot with other area departments and they seemed to be happy with MAFF,” said Chad Conrad, Cambridge Township POC Firefighters Local Union Vice President. “Over the past decade or so, there’s not been representation for the fire department and raises have been given loosely to other departments in the Township. We joined for representation, for pay raises comparable to others in the Township.”
“They’ve given 10 percent to 50 percent (increases) to the Township Board and other administrative positions,” Conrad said. “We do have (Township) Police and raises have been given to them. There’s no rhyme or reason for (the raises). Each board has given raises differently and the fire department has just been left behind with the raises.”
Conrad said the Paid-on-Call Firefighters have no other major issues with how the department is being run, citing no safety or personnel concerns. In fact, Cambridge Township POC Firefighters take pride in their long history overseeing fire services at Michigan International Speedway, located in Brooklyn, Mich.
Woodhaven Fire Fighters
CONTRACT
“The financial gains made in this contract are noteworthy, but more importantly, some of the internal procedure changes that were made will make Woodhaven Fire Department even more attractive for new hires and make it a better place to work,” said MAFF Labor Relations Specialist Gary McSweeney. “Mainly, having the promotion procedure documented and clearly defining their rank structure are significant improvements in this bargaining agreement.”
Contract Duration: 3-year agreement ratified Feb. 4, 2022 and effective 7-1-21 to 6-30-24.
Wage Increases:
3% increase effective July 1, 2021.
2% increase effective July 1, 2022.
2% increase effective July 1, 2023.
Fringe Benefits: Added Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a paid Holiday.
- Employees may receive payment for: up to 2 unused Personal Days per year; 60 hours of unused Compensatory Time, twice per year; and unused earned Sick Time on a prorated basis annually.
- Vacation Time may be taken as single days. Previously, Employees were required to take Vacation Time as 2-week blocks of time.
- The residency requirement was extended from 25 miles to 30 miles from the City border.
- Increased Part-Time Paramedic bonus based on the number of hours worked in a calendar year.
- Increased clothing and equipment allowances for Full-Time Employees from $650 to $750 per year. Established clothing and equipment allowances for Part-Time Employees based upon hours worked in a calendar year as follows: 576 hours = $200 allowance; 850 hours = $300 allowance; and 1,200 hours = $400 allowance.
MAFF Executive Board welcomes new Vice President
By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor
Newly elected MAFF Executive Board Vice President Jeffrey Gaglio of Detroit EMS Officers Association brings over two decades of Union experience to his position.
“I started with the UAW back in the day. When I came to the Detroit Fire Department, I became a Steward under POAM for the Technicians group for 14 years,” Gaglio said.
Gaglio, the Local Union President for Detroit EMS Officers Association for over two years, didn’t hesitate when MAFF Labor Relations Specialist Jim Steffes invited him to seek the Executive Board vacancy in 2021.
“If I’m going to be a part of something I want to be fully involved,” he said. “I have qualities I can bring to the table and help out other local bargaining units. A lot of the locals at MAFF deal with Paid-on-Call. I’m actually a full-time Public Safety Employee. The fact that I deal with my Employer on a daily basis, I think that helps.”
As a Steward, Gaglio was remotely involved in contract negotiations through fact finding and polling local workers about their concerns. More recently, he’s been sitting at the table during contract negotiations.
He worked his way up to leadership positions at the Detroit Fire Department, beginning as a Basic EMT and then working as a Paramedic for 13 years. “I was promoted to Lieutenant, which is Assistant EMS Supervisor, and then Captain, which is the EMS Supervisor,” he said.
MAFF Executive Board President sees long-term benefits of Paid-on-Call Firefighters
By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor
MAFF Executive Board President Jeff Craig has seen many changes over the past two decades, but one thing that hasn’t changed is having a strong Union to back members, whether they’re paid-on-call, full-time, part-time, or auxiliary Fire Fighters.
“MAFF labor representatives come from the public sector and have had many years of previous work experience to help solve labor issues that arise,” Craig said.
Craig has served as Macomb Township Firefighters Association Paid-on-Call and Auxiliary Local Union President the past 18 of his 21 years of service with Macomb Township Fire Department.
“I’ve been MAFF Executive Board President since 2009,” he said. “I get along very well with all the guys and gals that work there.”
Craig’s Union background at Ford, Chrysler and a small engineering consulting firm prompted him to take on the two President positions. “I have a labor relations background from my full-time jobs,” Craig said. “I’ve worked in automotive for 35 years. I’ve been on both sides of the table, as a UAW member and the management side as a supervisor, but it doesn’t matter. You’re sitting at the same table.”
“What I learned is Union officials who treated us like garbage were not usually very effective,” Craig said. “At the time I took over the Local, we had a strained relationship. I helped build a strong relationship with our members and management, solving problems on both sides. I wanted to make sure the guys got treated fairly. Sometimes egos get in the way of better judgment, but there are no kings or queens here. Everyone must follow rules and regulations at work. Building a strong relationship with your opposing partner is the best way to do business.”
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