LANSING, Mich. — After 10 months, the state of Michigan's hiring freeze has been lifted.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer instituted the freeze in March, saying there would be no filling positions, transfers or promotions. She announced that it had been lifted last last month.
Jeremy Tripp, executive director of Service Employees International Union Local 517M, which represents 3,500 of the state's 47,000 employees, said things have not been easy for employees since the hiring freeze started.
“Our folks were working 12 hour days, sometimes six and seven days a week to catch up the best way they could,” Tripp said.
The decision to resume hiring is "encouraging,” he said. “The governor talks a lot about investing and this means investing in our future.”
The state was able able to save $21.4 million without hiring any new employees.
Fowler resident Kathryn Lockwood was let go from her job last January and has been looking for a job, state jobs included, ever since.
“I have been looking for jobs daily,” Lockwood said. “I have yet to find anything.”
She already has her elevator pitch ready.
"I am just hoping someone will take a chance for me," she said. "I will work for you and I will work hard for you, I am a quick learner."
