The Michigan State Police Troopers Association (MSPTA) was elected the exclusive labor representative of troopers and sergeants of the Michigan State Police in 1979. The election was held as a result of a constitutional amendment approved by the Michigan electorate in 1978 that gave troopers and sergeants the constitutional right to engage in collective bargaining with their employer.
From its humble beginnings nearly 50 years ago, the Michigan State Police Troopers Association has evolved to become a leader in the arena of police labor. Prior to the advent of collective bargaining, state police troopers and sergeants were subject to the draconian policies and practices of both the Department of State Police and the state Civil Service Commission.