Bill changing binding arbitration signed by gov.

LANSING (AP) -- A local government's ability to pay will be the top factor for an arbitrator to consider when settling labor disputes involving police and fire departments under terms of legislation signed by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder. The legislation signed Wednesday will speed up arbitration in some cases by requiring the process to be completed within 180 days. The expenses of arbitration would be split between the local government and the union involved. Snyder says making a community's ability to pay the top priority could help prevent "drastic cuts" that could lead to layoffs of public safety personnel. Michigan has relied on binding arbitration to help resolve public safety personnel labor disputes for decades. ---------------- The measure is House Bill 4522. Published: Fri, Jul 22, 2011