Members of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union (MPFFU) are intensifying their efforts to bring staffing levels back into collective bargaining discussions.
As the Michigan legislative session nears its end, the union is backing House Bill 4688, a proposal designed to enhance fire fighters’ ability to negotiate on staffing issues affecting both safety and readiness.
On December 3, more than 400 MPFFU members gathered at the state Capitol in Lansing to advocate for the bill’s passage.
“This is not just about fire fighter safety; it’s also about the safety of our residents,” MPFFU President Matthew Sahr said.
He emphasized the need for adequate staffing to effectively respond to emergencies.
IAFF 8th District Vice President Mark Sanders, speaking at the rally, underscored the importance of the legislation, saying: “The time is now for our state legislators to pass this bill.”
The MPFFU highlights Michigan’s low ratio of career fire fighters to residents, with only 50 fire fighters per 100,000 people.
This is significantly lower than neighboring states like Ohio, which has over 100 fire fighters per 100,000 residents.
“These numbers are unacceptable,” Sahr said. “That is why we are doing everything we can to convince our lawmakers to support this bill.”
The union attributes staffing issues to changes in Michigan’s Public Employee Relations Act, which removed staffing from collective bargaining discussions nearly 20 years ago.
In addition to HB 4688, State Senator Veronica Klinefelt has introduced Senate Bill 1167 as a companion measure.
Both bills aim to restore staffing as a negotiable item in Michigan’s collective bargaining process.
Supporters of the legislation argue that adequate staffing levels are critical for both fire fighter and public safety.
Despite vocal support from legislators, time is running out for the bills to advance during the current lame-duck session, which ends December 19.
The MPFFU continues its advocacy efforts, with members urging lawmakers to prioritize public and fire fighter safety by passing the bills.
Union leaders have expressed concern that without legislative action, understaffing issues will worsen, potentially compromising emergency response times and effectiveness.
“This is about protecting the lives of our citizens more effectively and efficiently,” Sahr said.
Michigan fire fighters are rallying behind House Bill 4688 and Senate Bill 1167 to restore staffing as a collective bargaining topic under Michigan law.
According to the MPFFU, the state’s low ratio of fire fighters to residents highlights an urgent need for legislative action.
With the legislative session ending on December 19, union members and leaders are pressing lawmakers to pass the bills, emphasizing their importance for public safety and emergency readiness.
