Following the election, it is time to give certainty to small businesses and their employees. NFIB Michigan State Director Amanda Fisher is calling on the Michigan Legislature to make changes to the paid sick leave and minimum wage laws that will take effect in February 2025 due to a Michigan Supreme Court decision in July.

Fisher said, “The majority of legislators on both sides of the aisle have acknowledged that changes are needed to the earned sick time and minimum wage laws. Now that the election is over, NFIB is asking leadership in both the Michigan House and Senate to take swift action to make clarifications and changes to these laws.”

Changes requested include:

• Exempt employers with paid leave policies that meet or exceed the number of hours required under the act, including all forms of paid leave
• Add a small employer exemption and only apply full- and part-time employees averaging 20 or more hours per week; exempt seasonal, temporary workers, independent contractors, and subcontractors
• Tighten up notification requirements to require employee notification before a shift unless the employee is incapacitated
• Allow for front loading of time off rather than accrual
• Remove the private right of action to prevent frivolous lawsuits and only allow the state to enforce penalties
• Reinstatement of the tip-credit for restaurant servers

“We believe that these are reasonable changes that keep with the spirit of the earned sick time act by preserving the hours and availability of sick time that lessens the burdens on small business owners and increases the flexibility for their employees,” continued Fisher. “Small businesses and their workers need clarity as they head into 2025 – the legislature has a chance to show that it cares more about its citizens than about out-of-state special interest groups and partisan politics and we are hopeful that they take that chance as soon as possible. “

Please visit here for the latest updates on paid sick leave and minimum wage. Let your local officials know changes are needed – TAKE ACTION!