Labor: hours and wages; employer violations regarding the payment of wages and fringe benefits; increase sanctions for. Amends sec. 18 of 1978 PA 390 (MCL 408.488).
Impact
The most significant change under HB4404 is the escalation of penalties for employers who violate wage protection laws. The bill stipulates that an employer may face a fine of up to $10,000 for non-compliance rather than the previous $1,000 limit. Additionally, exemplary damages up to three times the owed wages can be imposed if violations are deemed flagrant or repeated, which serves to deter employers from neglecting their payment obligations. This increase in punitive measures is aimed at strengthening the employee's position in wage claims and ensuring that their rights are adequately protected.
Summary
House Bill 4404 aims to amend the existing 1978 PA 390, which governs the payment of wages and fringe benefits to employees in Michigan. The proposed changes primarily increase the penalties and sanctions that can be levied against employers who violate provisions related to wage payments. Specifically, the bill emphasizes enhancing the Department of Labor's authority to impose not only the repayment of missed wages and fringe benefits but also substantial penalties on employers for violations. These new measures are designed to protect employees' rights and ensure timely payments are made in accordance with their contractual agreements.
Contention
While the bill focuses on enhancing protections for employees, there could be potential pushback from business advocates who may argue that such stringent penalties can lead to undue financial strain on employers, particularly small businesses. Those opposed to the bill may express concerns that the heightened penalties could result in increased litigation or regulation, making it more difficult for companies to operate. Conversely, supporters of the bill emphasize the necessity of elevating employee protections and holding employers accountable for wage violations as a means to foster a fair labor market.
Labor: hours and wages; employer violations regarding the payment of wages and fringe benefits; increase sanctions for. Amends sec. 18 of 1978 PA 390 (MCL 408.488).
Labor: fair employment practices; written job descriptions; require employers to create and disclose to job applicants and certain employees, and establish sanctions and remedies for a violation. Amends title & sec. 18 of 1978 PA 390 (MCL 408.488) & adds sec. 9a.
Labor: fair employment practices; failure of employer to disclose written job descriptions to job applicants and certain employees; establish sanctions and remedies for. Amends sec. 18 of 1978 PA 390 (MCL 408.488).
Labor: hours and wages; penalties and remedies for misclassification of independent contractors; provide for. Amends secs. 1, 13, 15, 18 & 19 of 1978 PA 390 (MCL 408.471 et seq.) & adds secs. 13c & 13d.
Labor: hours and wages; penalties and remedies for misclassification of independent contractors; provide for. Amends secs. 1, 13, 15, 18 & 19 of 1978 PA 390 (MCL 408.471 et seq.) & adds secs. 13c & 13d.
Labor: fair employment practices; penalty for wage and fringe benefit payment violations with the intent to defraud; increase. Amends sec. 15 of 1978 PA 390 (MCL 408.485).
Labor: fair employment practices; penalty for wage and fringe benefit payment violations with the intent to defraud; increase. Amends sec. 15 of 1978 PA 390 (MCL 408.485).
Labor: fair employment practices; employer requiring nondisclosure of wages by employee; increase penalties for. Amends sec. 14 of 1978 PA 390 (MCL 408.484).
Labor: hours and wages; identity of employee who files a complaint under 1978 PA 390; prohibit department from disclosing to employer if requested by employee. Amends sec. 11 of 1978 PA 390 (MCL 408.481).