By now you probably have heard that the democrat majority Michigan Supreme Court went partisan last July to strike down the Workforce Opportunity Wage Act (2018 PA 368) and Paid Medical Leave Act (2018 PA 369) arguing that they are unconstitutional because they amended ballot initiatives that had been adopted into law within the same legislative session.
This results in two never-voted-for, never-debated, anti-business laws coming into effect starting February 25, 2025.
There is still time to legislate modifications to these laws. Many legislators of both parties and the Governor have expressed willingness to listen to changes but our industry must put the pressure on.
Call to Action
This law, especially the elimination of the tip credit and the entire sick pay law is unworkable. We must push hard to get this law modified or eliminated.
- Call your state senator and representative and voice your concerns.
- Write your state senator and voice your concerns.
- Vote pro-business this November. (The two pro-business Supreme Court Justices up for election are Andrew Fink and Patrick O’Grady.)
- Go to the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Manufacturers Association, and Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association websites. They have letters they will send on your behalf.
- Many of you have legislators that eat at your restaurants. Voice your concerns to them.
- Talk to other restaurant owners. Let’s band together.
- Whatever publicity you can generate about this is important. What will a table service meal- out cost if tipped employees are making $35 per hour? This paid sick leave law is unworkable. Your labor costs will be uncontrollable because, as currently written, employees can game the system.
