In spring of 2012, Michigan Rising (formerly Fire Rick Snyder) will start a second recall attempt against Governor Rick Snyder. The first recall effort was done without the formal help of the unions or the Michigan Democratic Party (MDP). Considering a piece published last week in the Detroit Free Press, I think it’s safe to say that the UAW, at least, won’t be involved this time around, either. And with the direction of the MDP all but controlled by the UAW, the state level Dems will probably sit this one out, too.
A meeting between Gov. Rick Snyder and UAW President Bob King broke an impasse and paved the way to contracts that gave about 34,000 unionized state employees a greater voice in how the government is run, officials confirmed Monday.New language in the contracts for state employees reflects some of the same ideas that management and workers have embraced as part of the auto industry turnaround.
Snyder and King — who had met previously on auto industry issues — joined the talks between Jan Winters, Snyder’s top negotiator, and UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada, who led a coalition of state employee unions.
“Things weren’t moving as people wanted them to,” King told the Free Press. Estrada “came to me on behalf of the coalition and said, ‘Do you think we could meet with the governor?’ I said, ‘Sure.'” […]
“The governor was great,” King said. “We have some big policy differences with the governor that we’re still trying to talk through,” but Snyder embraced “creative problem solving” and solutions aimed at making government work more efficiently for its citizens, he said.
Yeah, he’s a great guy, Bob. Except, you know, when he’s busting your union, making your local vote meaningless, throwing you, your family and your kids off the welfare rolls, defunding your schools and cities, or taking away your benefits. Other than that, though, yeah, great dude.
Sign up to get involved in the upcoming recall effort HERE. Apparently, we’re going to need all the help we can get.
