EverythingPeople gives valuable insight into the developments both inside and outside the HR position.
22 July 2025
The Michigan Court of Claims ruled that Michigan’s Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) law applies to collective bargaining agreements that do not address earned sick time off for workers. The Michigan Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) sued the MI Labor and Economic Opportunity Department (LEO) saying the Department did not interpret ESTA correctly.
15 July 2025
Since 1978 Michigan has had its own personnel file law that is commonly called the Bullard-Plawecki Employee Right to Know Act (also called the Sunshine in the Personnel File law) that requires employers to allow an employee to access information in their personnel files. It defines what and what is not considered a “personnel record.” The definition is quite broad but contains some exceptions that are not considered personnel records listed below:
With the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), a number of provisions impact employers. Below is a summary of the major ones.
8 July 2025
1 July 2025
The PRO Act bill threatens to fundamentally change the National Labor Relations Act in favor of organized labor. Last week, Rick Allen (R) Georgia introduced a more modest bill that provides some labor law breaks to employers. Congressmen Allen, who is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, introduced the Employee Rights Act bill.
24 June 2025
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) covers workers that “with or without reasonable accommodation can perform the essential functions of the employment position that such individual holds or desires.” But what about a former employee that is disabled and impacted by an employer’s change to benefits after the person is no longer employed?
17 June 2025
Employers are familiar with the process of making reasonable accommodation in the workplace. Maybe your new employee needs a special chair due to a back problem or a special keyboard for an employee who has a neurological condition. But do you have a process/policy in place for an applicant or employee who requires accommodation for employment drug testing? If you don’t, you should.
From the service dog to the emotional support peacock and ferret, employers are receiving more requests from employees who want to bring these animals to work. Title I of the ADA prohibits disability discrimination in the employment context and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees. But Title I is silent in reference to service and emotional support animals.
10 June 2025
20 May 2025
ASE reviews numerous employee handbooks each year. We recommend that employers review their handbook at least annually to ensure it remains compliant and accurately reflects the organization’s current practices and policies.
13 May 2025
Policies that prohibit recording or taking pictures or video recordings in the workplace are still pretty common in handbooks. Employers may have valid reasons for implementing these policies, such as preventing the capture of confidential or proprietary business information.
6 May 2025
Last week the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced (5/1 Field Assistance Bulletin) it will stop enforcing its Biden-era regulations on determining what an independent contractor (IC) is and go back to a standard set in mid-2008. The Biden-era rule laid out six criteria to determine independent contractor status. This rule made it harder to classify a worker as an independent contractor.
29 April 2025
For many positions to be exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) it must meet three tests to be Executive, Administrative, or Professional (EAP) exempt. Exempt positions do not have to be paid overtime at time and one-half (1.5x) or keep records of hours worked. The three exemption tests are:
15 April 2025
8 April 2025
1 April 2025
Summer is approaching fast. Many employers employ minors during their summer break from school. Employers should keep in mind that youth employment generally requires a work permit – even when school is on summer break. If you have work for a person 17 years or younger, be aware of the employer’s obligations under the Youth Employment Standards Act. (1978 PA 90, MCL 445.106)
18 March 2025
11 March 2025
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a pivotal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various aspects of employment. To remain compliant, employers must adhere to essential guidelines covering hiring, workplace policies, job accommodations, and employment conditions. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of ADA compliance requirements.