Several maintenance employees and long‑time bridge workers addressed the Mackinac Bridge Authority during public comment on Nov. 7, asking the board and management for clearer direction, more full‑time hires and stronger support for mental‑health and workplace accountability.

A speaker identifying himself as Tristan said he has worked at the bridge for about 14 years and described chronic stress, anxiety and health problems he attributes to inconsistent leadership, a lack of clear expectations and limited communication from management. "A healthy workplace requires accountability at every level," he said, and asked for "consistent communication and follow through on leadership commitments, clear, fair expectations… and an active support for mental health and well‑being." (Transcript: 00:06:08–00:09:24.)

Ed Buster, who said he has worked at the bridge for 17 years, described a longer trend of declining staffing, saying the workforce had fallen from roughly 50 employees when he started to about 15 full‑time positions now. Buster pressed why a recently vacated full‑time position had not been filled and warned that short staffing makes it harder to maintain the 70‑year‑old structure. "We're down to 7 full time people," he said during public comment. (Transcript: 00:11:49–00:13:46.)

Other speakers echoed concerns about low morale and recruitment. One speaker said younger workers are not staying and cited changes to retirement and insurance benefits as a reason the position is no longer viewed as a long‑term job. Brandon Jones, introduced during staff remarks, was thanked by the board for steady crew leadership during the maintenance season.

Authority members acknowledged the comments. Greg Provenger, the authority's chief operations officer referenced by the board, noted industrywide attention to mental‑health issues among operations crews and said management must also meet its accountability responsibilities. Board members committed to taking the employees' concerns into a more formal discussion and to follow up. (Transcript: 00:16:37–00:17:25.)

The commenters asked for a clearer multi‑year maintenance plan and asked the board to prioritize filling full‑time roles and improving communication so employees can plan their lives and family obligations. The public comment period closed with the board saying it would take the concerns up in a timely manner.