Winds of change in Michigan: Pending statutory changes and proposals

As a result of the 2022 election, the Democratic party took control of the Michigan House and Senate. This, combined with a sitting Democratic governor, set the stage for employee-friendly changes and proposals in employment law in Michigan.

Changes in law

The following measures have already been passed in Michigan in 2023:

• Repeal of right to work, meaning clauses and union contracts that make the payment of dues and fees mandatory are now lawful. This change will go into effect in March 2024.
• Prevailing wage has been reinstituted. Effective March 2024, Michigan will require contractors on state construction projects to pay the “prevailing wage,” equivalent to a union-type wage, and report wages to the state to verify compliance.
• Amendments to the Michigan Civil Rights Act. The following protected classifications were added to the Civil Rights Act: sexual orientation, gender identity, abortion, and racial/ethnic hairstyles.

Significant proposals

The following pending bills appear to have support and could significantly alter Michigan’s employment law landscape: