Telephone
517-372-5900
Menu

Key Conversation with Sean Egan

This article appeared in the June 2020 issue of MiMfg Magazine. Read the full issue and find past issues online.

Q: How does your background help you work with manufacturers in your current role?

Egan: The greatest asset I bring to the table is a lifetime of operating on the ground with working people, business owners and managers, municipalities, utilities and others to solve real challenges.

This has included the unfortunate task of navigating plant closures due to international competition, working through changes in sales and products and health care costs. I have done this both as a licensed electrician through firsthand participation, and at a broader level as a licensed attorney. I see what is happening in the workplace and for manufacturers with an intimate understanding of how businesses operate and the pressures employers and workers face.

Q: How is your team helping Michigan manufacturers respond to both the public health crisis and the economic downturn?

Egan: MIOSHA has posted guidelines which help ensure that employers and workers know what pieces must be in place to help fight the spread of COVID-19.

The Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency has provided a great FAQ covering the extent that COVID-19 is, or can be, a compensable injury. The Wage & Hour Division provides guidance on workplace protections including the Paid Medical Leave Act (PMLA) which was expanded by Executive Order 2020-36 to include protected leave under certain circumstances. The Bureau of Employment Relations continues to support labor and management throughout Michigan.

All of these agencies have been doing outreach, answering questions, providing information and guidance, and otherwise continuing to engage strongly. They also support efforts for the COVID-19 hotlines, unemployment, outreach and engagement.

Q: How is the Department helping manufacturers comply with changing regulations?

Egan: Employers face a wide range of obligations in the workplace. Perhaps the greatest support we can, and do, provide is our continued outreach to workers and employers to educate on expectations. This type of outreach is part of our DNA in the Labor Agencies, and we continue to expand our ability to be available and accessible.

The key to playing by the rules is to understand the rules. We work to update guidance, brochures, presentations, and accessibility often. This includes being focused on plain English pieces to ensure that the large regulatory framework is easily understood by anyone needing the information.

We have connection points via the web, calls and e-mails to help everyone with the questions they have. We are always available for outreach events and seminars, including virtually, to ensure that we are providing the tools of compliance and understanding.

Q: Where do you see Michigan and the manufacturing sector heading as we continue to revitalize Michigan’s economic engine?

Egan: Michigan manufacturers and their employees are strong, productive, innovative and critical to Michigan’s economic engine. COVID-19 has created challenges that we have never experienced but I believe our manufacturers will see, and use, opportunities that grow from this crisis. I hope one silver lining will be a resurgence in promoting and utilizing domestic production. This crisis has shown strategic challenges in our ability to produce all the goods we may need in the event the global supply chain breaks down.

The crisis has also shown the agility of our manufacturers and their ability to quickly retool, redirect, and begin production of the many products facing shortages. This highlights our skill and expertise and shows that we can make these items in Michigan and the United States.

I am hopeful we can build from these successes and continue to redevelop Michigan’s manufacturing might and strong policies supporting domestic manufacturing.