Articles Discussing General Topics Under Michigan Labor & Employment Law.

On July 19, 2022, the Michigan Court of Claims reinstated Michigan’s original (2018) voter-initiated versions of the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act (IWOWA) and the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA). This reversion immediately increases Michigan’s minimum wage rate to $12 per hour and significantly expands the paid sick leave employers

On July 19, 2022, a state judge in Michigan’s Court of Claims held that the state legislature violated the Michigan Constitution in 2018 when, during a lame-duck session, it overhauled revisions to Michigan’s minimum wage and tip law and newly created paid sick and

Michigan has changed its rules to allow parties in most civil cases brought in Michigan state courts to choose a different alternative dispute resolution method after the close of pretrial discovery than the mandatory alternative dispute resolution process called “case evaluation.”

In May 2019, the Michigan Supreme Court issued rules that when implemented  generally would prohibit Michigan courts from releasing personal identifying information (PII), such as birthdates, on court records. The rules were set to go into effect on July 1, 2021. Because consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) use PII to confirm

Michigan returned to full capacity, lifting pandemic gathering restrictions and the state’s face mask orders, as the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) rescinded the existing COVID-19 Emergency Workplace Rules on June 22, 2021.

On June 22, 2021, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) announced important changes to its emergency COVID-19 rules, “Emergency Rules Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).”

In a tremendous move toward pre-pandemic standards, Governor Whitmer announced that beginning June 22, 2021 nearly all COVID related orders will be lifted and Michigan will resume all activities.

Effective May 24, 2021, The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) revised its COVID-19 Emergency Rules. The change comes as more Michiganders have received vaccines and COVID-19 cases have decreased.

Remote Work and Masking Practices

On May 24, 2021, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced important changes to the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (MIOSHA) emergency COVID-19 rules, “Emergency Rules for Coronavirus Disease 2019.” Governor Whitmer also announced that the draft permanent MIOSHA COVID-19 rules have been rescinded in their entirety, and the public hearing

On May 20, 2021, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced an acceleration of the “Vacc to Normal” plan. The acceleration takes place as Whitmer reported more Michiganders have received vaccines and the CDC announced revised facemask guidance for vaccinated individuals.

On May 10, 2021, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that 55% of Michiganders had received the first dose of available COVID-19 vaccines, hitting the first milestone of the MI Vacc to Normal Plan. 

With 55% of residents 16 years and older having received at least their first vaccine dose

On April 12, 2021, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) would extend the sunset date for the state’s COVID-19 emergency rules, which were set to expire on April 14, 2021, for six more months.

On March 2, 2021, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued an order updating its previous stance on face coverings in most public settings, and on the number of individuals who can attend certain types of gatherings.

Last October, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed HB 6032 to protect workers who do not report to work because they were exposed to, displayed symptoms of, or tested positive for COVID-19. On December 30, 2020, and likely in response to the recent changes in the U.S.

On January 22, 2021, after two months of stringent lockdown orders (released 11/15/2020, 12/07/2020, 12/18/2020, & 1/13/2021), the Michigan Department of He