State and federal laws have your back if you work in Michigan. Let’s explain what this means for you in plain English while keeping things legally accurate.
Protection from Unfair Treatment
Michigan law (specifically the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act) says your boss can’t treat you differently because of your faith, race, age, gender, sexual orientation, tall or short you are, weight, or whether you’re married or have kids. It’s pretty straightforward – they can’t use these factors against you when making work-related decisions.
Getting Paid What You’re Owed
The law requires employers to pay at least $10.33 per hour (different rules apply if you work for tips). Put in more than 40 hours in a week? You’re entitled to time-and-a-half for those extra hours. This comes from Michigan’s Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act.
Staying Safe on the Job
You have a legal right to work somewhere that won’t make you sick or hurt. MIOSHA is a whole agency dedicated to this. You can report something to them without getting in trouble if something seems unsafe.
Your Right to Unite
Federal law protects your right to join or form a union if you want to. You can also work with your coworkers to improve your workplace situation without a union. This protection comes from the National Labor Relations Act.
Looking at Your Work File
Under the Bullard-Plawecki Act, you can check out what’s in your personnel file. If your employer has at least four workers, they must let you see your records during regular office hours. They might charge you a reasonable amount for copies, though.
Protection from Payback
Here’s something important: your employer can’t punish you for advocating for your rights. The law prohibits retaliation if you file a complaint about discrimination, unsafe conditions, or incorrect pay.
Need more details? The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity can help. If you think someone’s violated your rights, you might want to talk to the Michigan Department of Civil Rights or get advice from an employment lawyer.
