When you are part of a workforce aiming to secure better wages, benefits or working conditions, understanding the ins and outs of labor negotiations is crucial. These discussions can be a tug-of-war between what employees need and what employers offer. But what happens when one side isn’t playing fair? This can be the case when businesses bargain in bad faith. Recognizing the red flags Bad faith bargaining can often be subtle, but spotting the signs is key to keeping negotiations on track. Some of the red flags to look out for can include: Refusing to meet or deliberate within a reasonable tim ..read more

Workers across the state continue to grapple with various wage issues, but few are more frustrating than the enduring gender wage gap. Unfortunately, recent research suggests that the gender pay gap remains a stubborn barricade to equality, despite strides in educational attainment. Education vs. wage gap A recent U.S. Census Bureau report reveals a disheartening statistic: women with a post-secondary certificate or graduate from a top-tier university earn approximately 71 cents for every dollar men with the same level of education make. This gap persists even though women now comprise over ha ..read more

Imagine walking into your workplace, a space where you should feel motivated and safe, only to be met with unwanted comments, stares or even touches. For many, this isn’t just a disturbing scenario but an upsetting reality. Sexual harassment in the workplace is a pervasive issue that often remains shrouded in silence. However, one person’s experience, while deeply personal, is rarely isolated. Instead, it can often signify a larger, systemic problem that thrives in environments where inappropriate behavior goes unchecked. What does harassment look like? Harassment isn’t always overt and obviou ..read more

Whistleblowers play a crucial role in maintaining integrity within organizations. They are the individuals who, often at great personal risk, expose misconduct that can otherwise be covered up or ignored. Because this can be a stressful and intimidating experience, it is crucial to know that there are legal protections in place. They can make it easier for more people to come forward with confidence. Legal safeguards for whistleblowers Both state and federal laws and programs exist to shield individuals who report or are about to report violations of the law. Michigan Whistleblowers’ Protectio ..read more

When it comes to employment law, knowledge is power.  Many employers prey upon employees who lack a legal background hoping that they will not know what rights they have.   Yet, laws are often written in an overly complex manner that is not easily digested without a law degree. Take for instance the nine pages of overtime pay regulations for State of Michigan employees. Those regulations use complicated technical language and vague terms left undefined.  Michigan’s overtime provisions are designed to ensure that State of Michigan employees are fairly compensated for hours w ..read more

Bonuses can be a valuable part of an employee’s income potentially making or breaking their family budget or jeopardizing planned elective purchases. However, the excitement of getting a bonus regularly can quickly be flipped upside-down by an employer who decides not to honor their bonus policies.. While not all bonuses are enforceable, some are and may require prompt legal assistance. Michigan laws require employers to provide bonuses that are offered in a written contract, agreement, or policy According to state laws, bonuses are fringe benefits, not guaranteed wages. An employer can c ..read more

What happens when the line between learning and labor becomes blurred? In the pursuit of experience and knowledge, many students find themselves contributing much more than just their time and attention—they could also be giving their labor for free. A recent legal case involving aspiring hair stylists in Michigan is a good example of what happens when people challenge whether certain experiences are educational or exploitative. Unpaid work under scrutiny In a recent case in Michigan, a judge approved a settlement of $2.8 million in a dispute over unpaid work by students at the Douglas J ..read more

Every worker should feel safe and secure in their work environment. This fundamental expectation enables employees to carry out their duties without the fear of undue stress, injury or worse. But what happens when these rights are challenged or seemingly disregarded by the very organizations that are meant to uphold them? Walgreens staff walkouts One potential response to this situation is for workers to organize and protest. For instance, Walgreens pharmacy staff at about 300 locations recently walked off the job, citing overwork and potential risks to patient safety. Organizers said that the ..read more

Proving an employer has retaliated against you can be quite complex. Every piece of correspondence can come under scrutiny, and the more supporting evidence you have, the better. Even something as seemingly insignificant as the use of an emoji could impact your legal options. A thumbs-up has profound implications One recent case highlights just how much a single interaction can change the trajectory of a retaliation case. After several team members resigned, blaming the plaintiff’s management, she faced a negative performance review and was given a choice: improve via a Performance Improvement ..read more

Concerns related to labor unions can occur in any industry. While unionization efforts often focus on those in blue-collar positions, many other workers may also require the support of a union. Sadly, some workers who do successfully unionize face job loss and other punitive actions from their employers. Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) is one of the oldest and most expansive credit unions in Michigan. LMCU boasts more than 60 branch offices throughout the state, including some on the east side of the state. However, the organization began in Grand Rapids and maintains the strongest presence ..read more