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The new chairman of the Michigan Employment Relations Commission (MERC) acknowledges that the duties and responsibilities of the position haven't changed much over the years. However, said Nora Lynch in an interview with News 'n Views, that fact doesn't preclude her from seeking a goal she sees as a major priority. "Basically, the mission of the agency has not changed, but I want to see it function with greater efficiency," said Ms. Lynch, who was appointed to the post in July be Governor Jennifer Granholm. "That
is not a new objective for us, but it's one on which I place special emphasis.
Governor Granholm made it clear in her press release announcing the appointment that she has no doubt Ms. Lynch will do an outstanding job. "Nora is an incredibly hard working individual who is devoted to serving the people of Michigan," the Governor declared. "I know she will make an excellent chairman of this commission." Ms. Lynch's professional background is evidence that such confidence is well deserved. Before taking her new role, she was a labor arbitrator for more than a year. For more than 20 years previous she was a MERC Administrative Law Judge, presiding over formal administrative hearings in the labor relations area, issuing published decisions and orders involving unfair labor practice charges and handling representation matters. Now she presides over monthly meetings of the commission, which includes fellow members Maris Stella Swift and Henry Bishop, and over the agency itself. She also is the point person in dealing with other agencies. "A colleague commented that being chairman means,like the old saying goes, the buck stops here," she explains. Much more than a buck is involved in MERC's mission. This description of the agency's role underscores that point: The Michigan Employment Relations Commission resolves labor disputes involving public and private sector employees by appointing mediators, arbitrators and fact finders, conducting union representation elections, determining appropriate bargaining units, and adjudicating unfair labor practice cases. MERC, supported by the staff of the Bureau of Employment Relations, administers three statutes: The Public Employment Relations Act (PERA) - a labor relations statute which grants all public employees within the state of Michigan (excluding civil service employees) the right to organize and be represented by labor organizations of their choice. The Labor Relations and Mediation Act (LMA) - a statute regulating collective bargaining relationships between private sector unions and small private sector employees not falling within the jurisdiction of the National Labor Relations Act. The Compulsory Arbitration Act (312) - a statute providing for compulsory binding arbitration of labor management disputes involving public safety employees. Considering the relevance and scope of these MERC responsibilities, it is accurate to say that all MAP members are greatly effected by the functions of the agency and how they are carried out. Ms. Lynch, as stated, wants them carried out in the most efficient manner possible. "We have to constantly improve our communications within the agency in order to achieve enhanced efficiency," she said. "By efficiency I mean meeting the needs of workers, unions, and employers in this state in a timely and responsible manner. "A fundamental principle in the court system is that justice delayed is justice denied. My belief is similar when it comes to administrative handling of labor relations cases: delays in the resolution of issues degrade the process and adversely affect all concerned." |
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