Township Resolves Collective Bargaining Issue

The Chesterfield Township Board of Trustees approved a settlement during Monday night’s meeting, resolving a collective bargaining issue between the township and the Michigan Association of Public Employees, or MAPE.

The union, which represents public employees and aims to improve wages, hours and conditions of employment for members, filed a grievance on June 8 which stated that the township failed to recognize Carol Cook, a part-time employee, as a bargaining unit member.

In May, the township hired Cook, an independent contractor who agreed to provide part-time cleaning services to the township and serve as an at-will employee. The township “denies that Cook’s position must be recognized in the bargaining unit,” according to the letter of understanding approved by the board.

As part of the settlement, the union’s complaint is withdrawn and Cook will continue her part-time employment and will not become a MAPE member.

If Cook leaves the position for any reason, a new hire must be recognized as a part-time bargaining unit member, according to the settlement.