Bargaining opens for Michigan state workers

Services and support — that’s what UAW Local 6000 members are all about.

They’re social workers, clericals, parole and probation officers and teachers in the prison system.

Since 1985 the Lansing-based local — with 17,000 members — has represented more than one-third of Michigan’s state employees, including human services and administrative support workers in all areas of the state.

The UAW bargaining team, led by Local 6000 President Sandra Parker, opened negotiations Aug. 9. Their current three-year agreement expires Dec. 31.

“UAW Local 6000 members have sacrificed and saved the state of Michigan hundreds of millions of dollars,” said UAW President Ron Gettelfinger after the opening handshake. “We look forward to negotiating an equitable and fair agreement that recognizes the dedication and hard work of Michigan state employees.”

“State employees continue to provide valuable and necessary services to the citizens of the state of Michigan despite budget cuts which have caused them to work short staffed.”

“Our negotiating team is prepared to bargain an agreement which provides job and income security for our members,” said UAW Vice President Jimmy Settles, who directs servicing for the union’s Technical, Office and Professional Department.