Paid Leave Preemption: Dearborn vs Detroit
How do paid leave preemption rules compare between Dearborn, MI and Detroit, MI?
Detroit has fewer restrictions than Dearborn.
Dearborn, MI
Wayne County
Michigan's Earned Sick Time Act (MCL §408.961+) took effect February 2025 after the Mothering Justice ruling, requiring Wayne County employers to provide one hour of paid sick leave per 30 hours worked. Small employers under 11 workers face a 30-hour annual cap; larger employers must provide 72 hours.
View full Dearborn rules →Detroit, MI
Wayne County
Michigan's Earned Sick Time Act, MCL 408.961 et seq., took effect February 2025 and applies to all Detroit employers. Workers accrue one hour of paid sick time per 30 hours worked.
View full Detroit rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dearborn | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Accrual rate | 1 hour per 30 worked | 1 hour per 30 |
| Large employer cap | 72 hours yearly | - |
| Small employer cap | 40 hours yearly | - |
| Effective date | February 2025 | - |
| Statute | - | MCL 408.961 et seq. |
| Effective | - | February 2025 |
| Cap (11+ employees) | - | 72 hours paid annually |
| Local expansion | - | Preempted by state |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dearborn FAQ
Do part-time workers in Wayne County earn sick time?
Yes. ESTA covers all employees regardless of full or part-time status, with accrual proportional to hours worked. Independent contractors are excluded from coverage.
Can I use sick time to care for a sick parent?
Yes. Michigan ESTA allows paid sick time for the worker's own illness or for caring for a child, spouse, parent, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild.
Detroit FAQ
Can Detroit require more sick time than state law?
No. The Earned Sick Time Act preempts inconsistent local ordinances, though Detroit can support enforcement and education without setting different accrual or cap rules.
Are part-time workers covered?
Yes, part-time and seasonal workers accrue at the same one-hour-per-30-worked rate. Independent contractors and federal employees fall outside the Act's scope.
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