LANSING, Mich., Oct. 24, 2025 — State Rep. Emily Dievendorf (D-Lansing) reintroduced a bill this week to provide collective bargaining rights to agricultural and domestic workers. Historically excluded from many labor protections, these workers often face challenges including low wages, unsafe working conditions and limited bargaining power. This bill is crucial to provide organizing power to these workers, as they play an essential role in sustaining our agricultural economy and supporting households across Michigan.
After introducing the bill, Dievendorf released the following statement:
“Collective bargaining rights are essential for any workforce. They ensure fair, safe and just workplaces and provide workers with more power over their employment. Michigan’s agricultural and domestic workers have long been excluded from labor protections and face many challenges. Giving these workers proper collective bargaining rights will lead to a more unified voice in negotiations with employers, leading to higher wages and better working conditions.
“It is essential that we prioritize the fair treatment of all workers — and agricultural and domestic workers should absolutely be no different. Supporting the rights of these workers to organize is vital as we look to build a more just and inclusive economy where all workers are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. I will continue to stand up for workers across Michigan, as I push for fairer treatment, workplace safety and stronger labor protections.”
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