TO ALL MCO MEMBERS 

Last year the Michigan FOP Labor Council was asked by some of your membership to represent CO’s working for MDOC.  Based on that request, we started a campaign traveling throughout the State to let CO’s know what the FOP was all about.  We met a lot of great people (and a few not so great) who were very interested in seeing change. 

Our charge was to get at least 30% of the membership (required number by the State) to sign show-of-interest cards by June 30^th.  If that many cards could be obtained it would require the State to hold a ballot election of all MCO members to see who would represent CO’s.  The FOP would then be able to communicate with all MCO members because the State would be required to provide a mailing list of all members.  A mailing to all members before the ballots were sent out would allow the members the ability to make an informed decision about staying with MCO or changing to FOP. 

The FOP did not receive the necessary 30% by the deadline and accepts the decision of the membership to remain with MCO.  The FOP sincerely hopes that you have a successful contract negotiation in 2004.  You deserve it!

We also thank the many individuals who signed cards & spread the word about the FOP.  Some hard-working people made the campaign possible & deserve the thanks of the membership because it got MCO to recognize that changes needed to happen.  MCO would never have gotten  that message if it were not for this group.

One other good thing that came from this is that CO’s are entitled to become Active members of the FOP-Fraternal side. This means that you have the right to hold any office, all the way to President (CO’s always had that right on the FOP-Labor side).  If you want more info on joining the Fraternal, surf our website, www.mifop.com or call the office at 1-888-FOP-MICH.  

Much luck to all of you & stay safe!!

Randy Mason, Director of Labor Services