Labor: other; registry of employers who relocate a call center to a foreign country; require the department of labor and economic opportunity to create. Creates new act.
Impact
The enactment of SB 582 would have significant implications for state labor laws by introducing civil penalties for non-compliance. Employers who fail to provide the required notification can be fined up to $10,000, reinforcing the importance of transparency in operations affecting job markets. Additionally, the Department of Labor will be responsible for maintaining a registry that tracks employers who relocate jobs overseas, which will be updated biannually, thus aiming to provide greater oversight and accountability within the industry.
Summary
Senate Bill 582, also known as the Call Center Jobs Retention Act, aims to address job preservation within the call center industry in Michigan. This legislation requires employers operating call centers in Michigan to notify the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity at least 30 days prior to relocating a call center or a significant part of its operation (defined as 30% of the total call volume) to a foreign country. The purpose of this bill is to prevent the outsourcing of call center jobs, thereby retaining employment opportunities for state residents and fostering local economic stability.
Contention
Despite the bill's intent to protect local jobs, there may be contention surrounding the enforcement of such measures. Critics may argue that the requirement for advance notification could impose undue burdens on businesses and potentially discourage investment in the state. Moreover, the specified penalties for violations may be viewed as punitive rather than supportive, creating an environment of fear around necessary business decisions. Supporters, however, contend that such legislation is vital for ensuring the long-term sustainability of jobs that are critical to the state's economic health.
Labor: other; registry of employers who relocate a call center to a foreign country; require the department of labor and economic opportunity to create. Creates new act.
Labor: fair employment practices; severance pay for certain employees who are laid off; require employers to pay for relocations and mass layoffs. Creates new act.