The Tables Have Turned - The new landscape for collective bargaining in Michigan schools - Steve Delie

Oct 15, 2026

Steve Delie’s report examines how Michigan schools’ collective bargaining landscape is changing, framing reforms that reshape negotiation dynamics. It outlines the policy background after Michigan’s 2009-2010 education reforms, then reviews key contract provisions, including automatic revival terms and payroll deduction of union dues. The report covers performance-based pay, classroom observation and evaluation practices, discipline, privatization, layoff procedures, teacher placement, and remaining prohibited bargaining subjects, ending with recommendations and conclusions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages27

Reading Time1 h 8 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Background

Review of contracts

Automatic revival terms

Payroll deduction of union dues

Performance-based pay

Classroom observations

Performance evaluations

Discipline

Privatization

Layoff procedures

Teacher placement

Remaining prohibited bargaining subjects

Recommendations and conclusion

Endnotes

THE TABLES HAVE TURNED TURNED The New Landscape for Collective Bargaining in Michigan Schools STEVE DELIE The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is a nonpartisan research and educational institute dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Michigan residents by promoting sound solutions to state and local policy questions. The Mackinac Center assists policymakers, scholars, businesspeople, the media and the public by providing objective analysis of Michigan issues. The goal of all Center reports, commentaries and educational programs is to equip Michigan residents and other decision makers to better evaluate policy options. The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is broadening the debate on issues that have for many years been dominated by the belief that government intervention should be the standard solution. Center publications and programs, in contrast, offer an integrated and comprehensive approach that considers: All Institutions. The Center examines the important role of voluntary associations, communities, businesses and families, as well as government. All People. Mackinac Center research recognizes the diversity of Michigan residents and treats them as individuals with unique backgrounds, circumstances and goals. All Disciplines. Center research incorporates the best understanding of economics, science, law, psychology, history and morality, moving beyond mechanical cost-benefit analysis. All Times. Center research evaluates long-term consequences, not simply short-term impact. Committed to its independence, the Mackinac Center for Public Policy neither seeks nor accepts any government funding. The Center enjoys the support of foundations, individuals and businesses that share a concern for Michigan’s future and recognize the important role of sound ideas. The Center is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. For more information on programs and publications of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, please contact: Mackinac Center for Public Policy 140 West Main Street P.O. Box 568 Midland, Michigan 48640 989-631-0900 Fax: 989-631-0964 [Mackinac.org](Mackinac.org) [mcpp@mackinac.org](mcpp@mackinac.org) © 2024 by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, Midland, Michigan ISBN: [978-1-942502-76-0 | S2024-01 | Mackinac.org/s2024-01](978-1-942502-76-0 | S2024-01 | Mackinac.org/s2024-01) The Mackinac Center for Public Policy The Tables Have Turned: The new landscape for collective bargaining in Michigan schools By Steve Delie ©2024 by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy Midland, Michigan Guarantee of Quality Scholarship The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is committed to delivering the highest quality and most reliable research on Michigan issues. The Center guarantees that all original factual data are true and correct and that information attributed to other sources is accurately represented. The Center encourages rigorous critique of its research. If the accuracy of any material fact or reference to an independent source is questioned and brought to the Center’s attention with supporting evidence, the Center will respond in writing. If an error exists, it will be noted in a correction that will accompany all subsequent distribution of the publication. This constitutes the complete and final remedy under this guarantee. Contents Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 1 Background ......................................................................................................................................................... 2 Review of contracts ........................................................................................................................................... 4 Automatic revival terms ..........................................................................

FAQs

What reforms are the report’s background based on?

The report cites significant bipartisan education reforms passed by the Michigan Legislature during its 2009-2010 session, establishing the policy context for changes to collective bargaining in schools.

Which contract topics does the report review?

The report reviews a range of contract provisions, including automatic revival terms, payroll deduction of union dues, performance-based pay, classroom observations and performance evaluations.

How does the report conclude the collective bargaining implications?

The report synthesizes findings under recommendations and conclusion, addressing areas such as discipline, privatization, layoff procedures, teacher placement, and remaining prohibited bargaining subjects.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Sophia Brooks