Michigan school districts and colleges affected by the Supreme Court’s ruling in the 3 percent case are expected to receive a disbursement of money from the state on Monday, Jan. 22, which will eventually be used to refund stolen wages to nearly 275,000 teachers, faculty, and support staff.

That does not mean refunds will be immediately issued to public school employees who had earnings illegally taken from their paychecks. Districts have discretion in how they issue the return of money, following a status conference in the Michigan Court of Claims on Thursday.

In that meeting of attornies from both sides, Judge Stephen Borrello also confirmed the time period covered by the ruling in the case as July 1, 2010, through September 3, 2012.
MEA has updated its FAQ on the 3% case. Look for new information starting with Question 9.

MEA, AFT-Michigan, and AFSCME fought the 3 percent case for more than seven years, winning a unanimous decision from the state Supreme Court in December. Courts at every level agreed the state acted unconstitutionally in taking 3 percent of school employees’ wages to pay for retiree health care – a benefit they were not guaranteed to receive.

Employees of affected school districts or colleges who have since retired or changed jobs are advised to update their former employers with current contact information and make sure their account is complete and up-to-date at the Michigan Office of Retirement Services (ORS).

In addition, those who wish to receive the latest information from MEA about the case can send their name, address, phone number, and home email address to webmaster@mea.org.

Source: Funds to Move to Districts Monday Following 3% Court Conference – Michigan Education Association