Voice News
LANSING, Mich. 鈥� State Rep. Jaime Greene this week introduced a plan to protect employment opportunities for emergency responders who serve Michigan communities on a part-time or volunteer basis.
Greene鈥檚 legislation would create the Emergency Responders Employment Protection Act to ensure protection for first responders.
鈥淣o one should have to choose between saving lives and keeping their job,鈥� said Greene, R- Richmond, in a news release. 鈥淥ur emergency responders sacrifice so much for our safety, and it鈥檚 time we stand up for them by providing the protections they deserve.鈥�
With recruitment and retention of emergency responders at critically low levels across Michigan and neighboring states, many active responders find themselves stretched thin, taking on more responsibilities while also facing the threat of disciplinary action or even termination from their other jobs, according to Greene. Her plan would address these concerns by prohibiting employers from discriminating against or disciplining employees who respond to emergencies under specific conditions.
House Bill 5905 ensures that an employer cannot take adverse action against certain employees if they are absent from work due to responding to an emergency under either of the following conditions:
鈥擳he emergency began before the employee鈥檚 shift started.
鈥擳he emergency occurs during the employee鈥檚 shift, is within the responder鈥檚 jurisdiction, and is not more than 15 miles from their work location.
Greene鈥檚 bill also allows employers the flexibility to designate the time away as paid or unpaid leave, ensuring that businesses can manage their operations while still supporting the critical work of emergency responders.
鈥淥ur emergency responders deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing their jobs are safe while they鈥檙e out there saving lives,鈥� Greene said. 鈥淭his legislation is a vital step toward ensuring our emergency response teams remain strong and effective, so they can continue doing what they do best 鈥� saving lives.鈥�
House Bill 5905 was referred to the House Labor Committee for consideration.
Greene serves the 65th House District, which covers portions of northern Macomb, western St. Clair and eastern Lapeer counties. She is the minority vice chair of the House Education Committee.
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