Michigan Labor and Employment Law Key Terms

Know how to comply with Michigan labor and employment law when you understand the key terms

By Michele Vrouvas

Companies that operate in Michigan must comply with federal and state laws regulating certain business practices. For example, depending upon the size and type of your business, you may be required to offer COBRA insurance to departing employees. Regardless of the situation, Michigan business owners and HR professionals should familiarize themselves with key facts and terms related to Michigan labor and employment law.

Restricted occupations

Restricted occupations are jobs that minors are prohibited from performing.
Try: The Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth identifies the occupations that minors are not legally permitted to engage in. See the list of examples of hazardous work and links to federal and state guidelines for employing minors.

At will employment

Companies that adhere to the "at will employment" policy are permitted to terminate employees for almost any reason that is not prohibited by law.
Try: Lawyers.com clarifies the at will employment doctrine as practiced by Michigan companies. Find out how this doctrine applies to workers bound by standard employment contracts.

Discrimination

The concept of discrimination under Michigan or any other state employment law refers to the illegal practice of hiring, promoting, or terminating an employee based on age, race, religion or physical handicap.
Try: Access the employment discrimination discussion at the website of Michigan employment law attorneys Miller Cohen. They identify situations that could give rise to sustainable discrimination lawsuits.

Commission sales violations

Companies are guilty of commission sales violations when they refuse to pay an employee who works under a commission arrangement and has fulfilled certain obligations that normally award the payment of commissions.
Try: Huizenga Hergt clarify how Michigan employment law handles situations in which businesses are justifiably accused of commission sales violations. In particular, find out how Michigan courts interpret and enforce commission sales contracts.

Wrongful discharge

Wrongful discharge is the termination of an employee for reasons prohibited by federal or state law.
Try: Michigan employment attorney James E. Curtiss discusses the different situations under which employees may file wrongful discharge claims.

State and federal labor law posters

State and federal labor law posters notifying employees of certain legal rights and their employers' responsibilities are required in Michigan and other states.
Try: HR Michigan identifies the state and federal labor law posters that Michigan organizations must display in the workplace.