LANSING, Mich., Feb. 20, 2025 — Today, legislative action was taken to alter minimum wage and earned sick leave changes that were mandated in the state Supreme Court’s ruling and set to take place tomorrow. After negotiations, substitutions to House Bill 4002 — which focuses on the earned sick time changes — were made in the Senate and then returned to the House, where it passed. This bill was tie-barred to Senate Bill 8 which focuses on the minimum wage increases, including for tipped wage workers. Now that HB 4002 and SB 8 have passed both chambers, the legislation will be presented to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. After the vote, state Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips (D-Detroit) issued the following statement:
“I am going to be real frank and direct here — the earned sick leave and minimum wage legislation does not go far enough to deliver the relief that Michiganders deserve and need. The policy falls short of giving folks — many of whom live paycheck to paycheck — a fair sick time policy and solid worker protections. House Republicans refused to consider pro-worker changes supported by myself and Mothering Justice, the organization that has fought this fight for the working people of Michigan since day one. For instance, as passed, the policy takes away worker’s right to sue an employer if they screw over the employee — this lacks the teeth needed to give workers necessary tools to protect themselves. I remain committed to fighting for hardworking Michiganders — the very people who keep this state strong — and will never stop being in their corner. The fight is not over.”
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