Union Sues to Compel OSHA to Issue Temporary Emergency Covid-19 Standard to Protect Workers
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It’s Back to Business, but not as Usual for Some Michigan Employers Navigating New Coronavirus Workplace Rules
May 7, 2020, marks the re-opening in Michigan of the construction industry and other business segments from a broad stay-in-place order. Specifically, Governor Whitmer has begun to relax her prior stay-in-place order, allowing the resumption of some types of work.
Such work is expected to present a lower risk of infection and spread as Michigan continues to deal with high numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths. The most recent data shows Michigan has over 45,000…
Employer Sued for Violating Michigan Coronavirus Stay-Home Order
A Michigan woman sued her former employer for allegedly violating the Governor’s Executive Stay Home, Stay Safe” orders. This suit was filed in Michigan Circuit court on April 15, 2020. The former employee also filed a claim of retaliation with the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA).
Why it Matters
Michigan, like most states, is an “at-will” employment state. This means an employee can generally be terminated for any reason or no reason. But…
Reduction in Michigan Confirmed Coronavirus Cases and Return to Work Guidance – Caution Still Needed
Michigan reported a reduction of confirmed coronavirus cases over the weekend. But the State cautioned the reduction may be attributed to low testing over holiday weekend rather than an actual reduction in cases.
Here’s the statement from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS):
Although a reduced number of COVID-19 cases are being reported today, 645 cases compared to 1,392 reported on April 11, and deaths, 95 compared to 111 on April 11,…
Michigan Extends and Modifies its Stay at Home Order through April 30
On April 9, 2020, Michigan Governor Whitmer, extended the State’s March 23, 2020 “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order. It was set to expire on April 13, 2020, but it will now extend through April 30 and goes into effect tonight at 11:59 PM.
Continued Limits on Employers and Employees
Consistent with the prior order, the extension (Executive Order 2020-42) places limits on gatherings, travel, and all workers who are not necessary to sustain…
Michigan Announces Lock-Down Order in Response to Rising Coronavirus Cases
Today (3/23/2020), Michigan’s Governor issued an executive order (No. 2020-21) for the temporary suspension of activities in Michigan not deemed “necessary to sustain or protect life.” This order goes into effect on March 24, 2020, at 12:00 AM and continues until April 13, 2020, at 11:59 PM. A full copy is available here.
The Order imposes numerous restrictions on both personal and commercial activities.
As to commercial activities, all work that is not “necessary…
Michigan and Federal Coronavirus Update – Are You Ready for an 18-Month Pandemic Response?
Michigan first reported two confirmed cases of coronavirus on March 10, 2020. One week later, that number has jumped to 54. The State plans to update its confirmed cases daily at 2 PM at its coronavirus website. This website is a great resource.
On March 16, 2020, Gov. Whitmore signed an executive order temporarily closing bars, theaters, casinos and other public spaces. The order limits restaurants to delivery and carry out orders only.…
Federal Agency Provides Roadmap for States to Extend Unemployment Benefits to Employees Affected by Coronavirus Pandemic
The Department of Labor (DOL) announced guidance on March 12, 2020, for how States can pay unemployment insurance benefits to employees who miss work because of the coronavirus. Here is the DOL’s COVID-19 Bulletin.
The Federal DOL generally oversees unemployment insurance benefits systems. But States actually handle applications and payments. In so doing, States also generally determine eligibility requirements for such benefits.
Because of this overlap between Federal and State agencies, the DOL’s guidance…
Coronavirus Restrictions Implemented at Michigan U.S. District Court for the Eastern District
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan announced on March 11, 2020, visitor restrictions for entering its five courthouses to prevent the spread of the virus.
The full restrictions are available here. These restrictions were issued in response to Governor Whitmer’s State of Emergency, which we discussed here.
In sum, the current restrictions require visitors to tell Security Officers if they meet certain criteria, including whether they:
Have traveled to…
Michigan Confirms its first Cases of Coronavirus
On March 10, 2020, two Michigan residents tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). One case as an adult female from Oakland County who had recently traveled internationally. The other is an adult male from Wayne County who recently traveled within the United States.
In response, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency. Gov. Witmer and her coronavirus task force will be meeting today to finalize the State’s response to the virus. Before these confirmed cases,…