The bill, approved by Republicans in the House earlier this week, now goes to the State Senate
MARQUETTE -- Republicans in the Michigan House approved a bill that would freeze pay and benefits for union-represented public school teachers working under expired contracts.
The bill says public employers can provide no more than current pay and benefits after the expiration date of a collective bargaining agreement until a new contract is in place.
Democrats say it's unconstitutional and would eliminate employers' incentive to bargain new contracts.
"I think the agenda of the Michigan Republican Party, it's to take the bargaining rights away from our members, to break the unions, which in turn will limit the financial resources that we provide for the Democratic Party," says Stu Skauge of the Michigan Education Association.
Republicans say it will give unions more incentive to bargain.
The bill now goes to the State Senate.
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