Michigan Seals Deal on Tipped Wage Reform, Prompting Calls for Immediate Compensation Over Delays

Lansing, Michigan — After a protracted seven-year debate, Michigan legislators have finalized a deal modifying the payment structure for tipped workers, a decision precipitated by a growing nationwide discourse on wage regulations. The compromise, which was solidified 12 hours past an initial deadline, is ruffling feathers among advocates who contend that workers deserve compensation for the delay prompted by legislative lag. The resolution in Michigan revolves around an intricate issue that balances the business owners’ need to manage payroll costs against workers’ calls for higher base pay. The recent agreement sets the base wage for … Read more

Michigan’s Minimum Wage, Tipped Wage, and Sick Time Laws Updated: New Changes Signed into Law by Governor Whitmer

Lansing, Mich. — After significant legislative maneuvers and court rulings, Michigan has enacted new laws altering the state’s minimum wage, tipped wage, and employee sick time regulations. Governor Gretchen Whitmer officially signed two pivotal bills on Friday, February 21, 2025, which became effective immediately and applied retroactively due to urgency pronounced by both lawmakers and the public. These reforms emerged from a turbulent legislative history that began in 2018 when groups such as Mothering Justice, Michigan One Fair Wage, and Michigan Time to Care proposed increases to the minimum wage and improvements to sick leave … Read more

Michigan House GOP Acts to Retain Tipped Wage and Modify Paid Sick Leave as Supreme Court Changes Loom

LANSING, Mich. — In swift legislative actions following their recent ascendancy to power, Republicans in the Michigan House have introduced measures aimed at maintaining the state’s tipped minimum wage and modifying its paid sick leave policies. Since assuming control on January 8, their legislative efforts have gained momentum with key proposals poised for House votes as early as next week. The regulations in question were prompted by a Michigan Supreme Court decision last summer. The court overturned previous legislative amendments from 2018, which had diluted intended boosts to the minimum wage and adjustments to sick … Read more

Efforts to Modify Paid Sick Leave and Tipped Wage Legislation Stall as State House Adjourns

Lansing, MI — Recent legislative attempts to modify Michigan’s paid sick leave mandate and tipped wage policies appeared to stall as the state House adjourned without taking action on the proposals. These bills had sparked significant debate concerning labor rights and business flexibility, echoing a broader national discourse on workers’ compensation. Introduced earlier this year, the legislation aimed to amend the 2018 laws that set minimum requirements for paid sick leave and established a steadily increasing minimum wage for tipped workers. Effective lobbying by restaurant owners and business groups was a key driver behind these … Read more