Democratic lawmakers and industry experts announced legislation to protect workers
Members of the Labor Caucus and industry experts stand together at the Workers’ Compensation press conference on Thursday, Oct. 30, at the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing.
LANSING, Mich., Oct. 30, 2025 — Members of the Labor Caucus hosted a press conference today, joined by industry experts, including Attorney Robert J. MacDonald from the Michigan Association for Justice and Jeff Breslin, President of the Professional Employee Council of Sparrow Hospital. Together, the Democratic lawmakers introduced a bill package, House Bills 5177-5191, aimed at rebalancing workers’ compensation standards.
“For far too long, the workers’ compensation system has failed the very people it was designed to protect. I am proud to join my colleagues on this package that helps restore balance and compassion to a system that has become increasingly tilted against injured workers,” said state Rep. Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac).
In 1912, Michigan struck a great compromise with the passage of the Workmen’s Compensation Act, when workers gave up their right to sue employers if they were injured on the job. In return, they were promised protection through an insurance system that would cover their medical care and lost wages.
“The promise of our workers’ compensation system has not been upheld. If someone is injured at work, they shouldn’t have to worry about how they are going to afford their medical bills, especially on top of losing the wages because of a workplace injury or illness. This package builds working families up and ensures people get the benefits and protections they deserve,” said state Rep. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph).
“Our workers’ comp system used to incentivize employers to bring injured workers back to work — and if not, disabled workers received modest but sustaining wage loss benefits. Since 2011, injured workers have had their benefits slashed because of phantom wages that are not actually offered to them. We need to restore fairness to the system so that injured workers again receive prompt, certain and sustaining benefits following a work injury.” MacDonald said.
“Nurses and healthcare workers show up for our patients everyday, despite the risks. Those who dedicate their lives to caring for others shouldn’t have to worry about how they’ll get by if they are injured on the job, that’s why these reforms are so critical,” Breslin said.
Many bills in this package restore the previous law and make certain that Michigan’s workers’ compensation system protects every worker. A recording of the press conference can be viewed here: Workers’ Compensation PC.
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