Earned Sick Time Act

Earned Sick Time Set to Take Effect in February

Despite a flurry of activity in the final days of Michigan’s 102nd Legislative Session, action was action was not taken to avoid disruption due to the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) before the House adjourned. On February 21, 2025, Michigan employers will be subject to a costly, onerous and litigious paid leave mandate. ESTA imposes some of the most far-reaching and stringent paid time off provisions found in any state.

Legislation has been introduced to address the many problems Michiganders will experience with ESTA. House Bill 4002 (Representative Jay DeBoyer, R-Clay) includes MMA-supported language that will make the critical changes that are needed. The Legislature needs to act quickly; without HB 4002, manufacturers will be forced to make drastic changes to PTO policies — even if those policies meet, or are more generous than, what is required by law. You will be forced to make significant changes to meet compliance with ESTA, and you will be pitted against your employees by a new private right of action that treats employers like criminals.

NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT. Urge your legislators to support House Bill 4002 and to move this bill before it’s too late. Please use your voice and share your story about the benefits you provide your employees and how you work with employees to find the work/family balance that is vital to the success of all Michiganders.

MMA continues to advocate on behalf of all manufacturers to mitigate the most concerning elements of ESTA and providing resources to manage the upcoming changes and costs.

Upcoming ESTA Events

ESTA is Coming! Is Your Company Properly Prepared?

Webinar •Wednesday, January 15, 2025 • 11:30 a.m.

The deadline by which Michigan manufacturing employers are required to implement wide sweeping changes to their paid sick leave policies in accordance with the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) is 2/21/25. Join MMA and member Clark Hill for this must-attend webinar to answer your lingering ESTA questions.

Learn more and register online.

Navigating Michigan’s New Earned Sick Time Act in Mid-Michigan

Jackson • Friday, January 24, 2025 • 12:00 p.m.

To help manufacturers understand the new Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA), join MMA President & CEO John Walsh and MMA Director of Employment Policy Dave Worthams for insights into the recent changes and future enforcement during a Networking Lunch and Learn. Secure your spot today and ensure your business is prepared for the upcoming changes.

Learn more and register online.

Background

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has been reviewing the decision rendered by the Michigan Supreme Court in Mothering Justice v. Attorney General (a.k.a. paid sick leave case). As a result of that decision, major changes have been made to the state’s earned sick time law. Watch this on-demand video for historic background that led to ESTA.

Resources

Documents

• Support Commonsense Change to the Earned Sick Time Act (“leave behind” document)