Bill aims to secure job opportunities for first responders – The Voice

State Rep. Jaime Greene this week unveiled a plan to secure job opportunities for emergency responders who work part-time or as volunteers in Michigan communities.

Greene's bill would create a first responder employment protection law that would ensure the protection of first responders.

“No one should have to choose between saving lives and keeping their jobs,” Greene, R-Richmond, said in a news release. “Our first responders sacrifice so much to keep us safe, and it's time we stood up for them by giving them the protection they deserve.”

With recruitment and retention of emergency responders at a concerning level in Michigan and neighboring states, many active emergency responders are stretched thin, taking on more responsibilities while facing the threat of disciplinary action or even termination from their other jobs, Greene said. Her plan would address those concerns by prohibiting employers from discriminating against or disciplining employees who respond to emergencies under certain conditions.

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 any of the following conditions:

• The emergency began before the employee began his shift.

• The emergency occurs during the employee's shift, is within the area of ​​responsibility of the emergency responders and is no more than 24 kilometers from his place of work.

Greene's bill also gives employers the flexibility to declare absence time as paid or unpaid leave, ensuring that businesses can maintain operations while supporting the important work of first responders.

“Our emergency responders deserve the assurance that their jobs are safe while they're out there saving lives,” Greene said. “This bill is an important step to ensure our emergency response teams remain strong and effective so they can continue to do what they do best – save lives.”

House Bill 5905 has been referred to the House Labor Committee for consideration.

Greene represents the 65th Congressional District, which includes parts of northern Macomb, western St. Clair and eastern Lapeer counties. She is the vice minority chair of the House Education Committee.