Fighting crime is hard, but fighting for respect shouldn’t be.
Michigan’s special agents take on some of the hardest cases, like public corruption and white-collar crime. They have a unique role in law enforcement, but they’re often forgotten about.
That’s because the job of a special agent isn’t usually like TV crime dramas.
“A lot of the work we do is in the background,” said Agent Michael Swiercz. “It’s so important that this work is being done, but the public isn’t realizing who’s actually doing it.”
Now, special agents in Michigan are coming together through our union to make their voices heard.
90% of them have become members of the Michigan State Employees Association (MSEA), AFSCME Local 5, within the last few months.
Swiercz said special agents are being left behind while other law enforcement professionals are getting double-digit pay increases. Winning a strong pension is also one of their top goals.
“Without the union, we would have no voice,” he explained. “We want to be brought back into the conversation and have the same opportunities and benefits as other law enforcement officers.”
These union members already started using their collective strength.
Michigan’s special agents are meeting with state legislators, and MSEA is planning to launch a media campaign to show the public what they do to protect the people of Michigan.
These special agents have a strong working relationship with state Attorney General Dana Nessel and senior managers. But Swiercz said more needs to be done at the state level to win the fair pay and retirement security they deserve.
Public safety professionals are turning to our union to build power. AFSCME members in corrections, law enforcement and emergency response are proud to protect our freedoms and our communities.
Visit the AFSCME Public Safety website to get involved.