Labor: collective bargaining; minimum staffing levels within a bargaining unit; make a mandatory subject of bargaining for certain public employees. Amends secs. 11 & 15 of 1947 PA 336 (MCL 423.211 & 423.215).

Michigan House Bill 5290, introduced on November 13, 2025, aims to amend the Public Employment Relations Act of 1947. The bill seeks to make minimum staffing levels a mandatory subject of collective bargaining for certain public employees. This means that public employers and employee unions would be required to negotiate and agree upon the minimum number of staff required in specific bargaining units, ensuring adequate staffing levels are maintained.

Supporters of HB5290 argue that mandating negotiations on minimum staffing levels will enhance public safety and service quality. By requiring employers and unions to agree on adequate staffing, the bill is seen as a step toward preventing understaffing issues that can lead to overworked employees and diminished public services. Proponents believe this measure will lead to better working conditions and improved outcomes for the community.

Critics of HB5290 express concerns that making minimum staffing levels a mandatory bargaining subject could lead to increased operational costs for public employers. They argue that this requirement might limit managerial flexibility and could result in budgetary constraints, potentially leading to higher taxes or reduced services elsewhere. Opponents also worry that it could complicate labor negotiations and prolong the bargaining process.