Lawmakers introduce “Putting Workers First” legislative package to expand workers rights
State Rep. Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac) speaks at the International Workers’ Day Press Conference on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing.
LANSING, Mich., May 2, 2025 — State Rep. Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac) hosted a press conference with state Reps. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph) and Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park) yesterday. Together they introduced the “Putting Workers First” legislative package to expand workers’ rights and highlight International Workers’ Day. During the press conference, they were joined by James Jewell, trustee chair for UAW Local 228, and Jason Peek, committee chairman for UAW Local 602.
“On International Workers’ Day, we recognize the historic and ongoing struggles of working people, and we take action. I was proud to bring my colleagues together as we introduced an impactful legislative package that protects Michigan workers. We owe it to the people who keep Michigan running to ensure their rights are protected and their voices are heard — not just today, but everyday,” Carter said.
Andrews sponsors a bill in the package that would repeal Public Act 98 of 2011, a law that prohibits project labor agreements — agreements that ensure fair wages, safe worksites and local hiring standards — on taxpayer-funded construction.
“This repeal is long overdue. Project labor agreements are essential tools for upholding fair wages, ensuring worker safety and prioritizing local hiring. Restoring them is about giving local communities, especially those like mine along the border, the ability to decide how and when to use PLAs to set their own standards and protect workers from being undercut by out-of-state contractors. Right now, contractors from Indiana can come in, skirt Michigan labor laws and win bids by paying substandard wages. This bill will help change that by putting control back in the hands of local communities and ensure that Michigan jobs go to Michigan workers who deserve fair wages and dignity on the job. I am proud to be part of this package to restore local control and stand up for working families,” said Andrews.
Another bill in the package would require an employer to have “just cause” before terminating an employee after a probationary period, modeled after a Montana law.
“No one should lose their job without a good reason. This bill brings basic fairness to the workplace by ensuring that, after a reasonable probationary period, workers can’t be fired on a whim. It’s about stability, dignity and creating a work environment where people are treated with the respect they deserve,” said Weiss, sponsor of the bill.
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