The opinion issued today is disappointing and will have an immense negative impact on all retailers. Bedrock principles of capitalism and a competitive labor market are thwarted by extending the paid leave law to employers with only one employee, dramatically altering the paid leave requirements for those with 50 or more employees, and mandating substantial changes to the minimum wage. The fact of the matter is that employers are already competing for qualified labor by voluntarily offering high wages and good benefits. Adding pressure and costs to small business owners during a time of continued high inflation, low consumer confidence, and increasing expenses creates further challenges to their growth and viability and will harm Michigan’s economy.
While this is not the outcome retailers hoped for, the limited remedy the Court provides by delaying implementation by 205 days offers time for the current legislature to consider making necessary updates to some of the most egregious components of the law. We look forward to working with them to protect small businesses throughout the state.
