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.
Michigan's restored ESTA replaced the 2018 watered-down Paid Medical Leave Act effective February 21, 2025. All Wayne County employers must allow accrual of 1 hour earned sick time per 30 hours worked. Employers with 11 or more employees provide up to 72 hours yearly; smaller employers cap at 40 hours (32 paid plus 8 unpaid). Time can be used for the worker's or family member's illness, domestic violence absences, or public health closures. Employers cannot retaliate against use. Carryover up to caps is mandatory; cash-out is optional. Local Wayne County cities are preempted from supplementing state ESTA standards.
Retaliation or denial of earned sick time creates rebuttable presumption of violation, triggering reinstatement, back pay, $1,000 administrative fines, plus attorney fees under state enforcement.
See how Wayne County's paid leave preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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