Gov. Asks State Prison Guards To Make Concessions

LANSING (WWJ) - As the budget process continues in Lansing, Governor Rick Snyder would like to see state prison guards make concessions.

But as WWJ Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick reports, the union representing those workers is saying not so fast.

The Governor has asked state employees to give back $145 million in concessions and $80 million of that would come from prison guards.

Michigan Corrections Organization executive director Mel Grieshaber said the union's members are upset over the request.

"I don't know where we're going to find that kind of money. The membership is very angry. They do the most dangerous job in the state, bar none. To take out a disproportionate chunk with this group is just sinful. It really is," Grieshaber said.

The correction officers will negotiate with the Snyder administration on the concessions this summer.