Michigan Workers' Wages

Wages and Fringe Benefits - Since 1978, workers are entitled to receive full payment for wages in a timely manner and fringe benefits in accordance with terms of an employment contract or written policy under the Payment of Wages and Fringe Benefits Act.  Workers who believe they have not been paid their full wage or fringe benefits or have had money deducted from their wages without their full, free, and written consent, may initiate a complaint with the Wage & Hour Division of the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.  A worker must file this complaint within 12 months of the violation. 

Workers may seek help from the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.  This State agency has authority to address complaints concerning wages and other employment issues and can be reached at:

Wage & Hour Division

Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth

7150 Harris Drive

P.O. Box 30476

Lansing, Michigan 48909

(517) 322-1825

http://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-11407_59886---,00.html

The Wage & Hour Division, however, only handles complaints submitted by employees who are not considered independent contractors or represented by unions, or where the employer has over $500,000 in revenue and is involved in interstate commerce. 

Direct Deposit - Michigan law permits an employer to pay wages to an employee by direct deposit.  An employer, however, is prohibited from depositing an employee's wages without written consent of the employee.  If an employer fails to acquire an employee's written consent, an employee may seek help by filing a complaint with the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth, Wage & Hour Division.

Minimum Wages - The Michigan Minimum Wage Law covers employers who employ 2 or more employees 16 years or older.  Effective July 1, 2008, the minimum wage rate is $7.40 per hour for Michigan employees. 

Discrimination - Workers may not be discharged or discriminated against because they filed this complaint.  A worker may file a complaint alleging discrimination with the Wage & Hour Division.

Protection of Youth Workers

            Youth Protection

The Youth Employment Standards Act controls employment of minors.  MCL 409.101, et seq.  The Wage & Hour Division of the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth is the state agency with the authority to address complaints concerning youth employment and other employment issues. 

Complaints concerning youth employment also can be filed with the United States Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division which enforces the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) that is the framework for federal child labor provisions, including identifying those jobs that children cannot perform.  The FLSA is applicable to only certain employers or may be limited by any stricter standard established by state law.  The US DOL Wage & Hour Division is authorized to handle complaints against employers violating child labor laws and can be reached at local district office:

DETROIT: 

Detroit District Office

US Dept. of Labor

ESA Wage & Hour Division

211 W. Fort Street, Room 1317

Detroit, MI 48226-3237

(313) 226-7448

 

GRAND RAPIDS:

Grand Rapids Area Office

US Dept. of Labor

ESA Wage & Hour Division

800 Monroe Avenue, NW

Suite 315

Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1451

(616) 456-2004

            Minimum Wage Law For Minors 

Employers covered by the Michigan Minimum Wage Law of 1964 are permitted to pay employees under the age of 18 at 85 percent of the minimum hourly wage.  MCL 408.384(b)(2).  Effective July 1, 2008, the minimum hourly wage is $7.40 per hour.  MCL 408.384.  The Wage & Hour Division of the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth is the state agency with the authority to address complaints filed concerning youth minimum wages and other employment issues and can be reached at:  

Wage & Hour Division

Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth

7150 Harris Drive

P.O. Box 30476

Lansing, Michigan 48909

(517) 322-1825

http://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-11407_59886---,00.html

Protection of Michigan Workers

The State has declared that the safety, health, and general welfare of employees are primary public policy concerns.  Since 1975, the Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Act has required Michigan employers to provide each employee a safe and healthful work environment free of recognized hazards.  The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration endeavors to protect Michigan's workers through the promulgation and fair enforcement of safety standards and rules, as well as through outreach training.  Workers who believe that a violation of a safety standard exists may contact MIOSHA for an inspection or other assistance.  The Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Act specifically prohibits an employer from discharging or discriminating against an employee who makes a safety-related complaint to MIOSHA.  A worker can contact or file a complaint concerning these issues at:

Michigan Department of Energy, Labor, & Economic Growth

Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration

P.O. Box 30643

Lansing, Michigan 48909

(517) 322-1608
http://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-11407-93835--,00.html

 

Building Construction Complaints

Building Complaint

A person who has complaints concerning construction and buildings may seek help by contacting the Michigan Department of Energy Labor & Economic Growth, Bureau of Construction Codes, Building Division.  The Building Division is responsible for issuing building permits, conducting inspections, and issuing certificates of occupancy. The division also has enforcement responsibility for the state building code and provides building inspections for manufactured housing communities.  This state agency can be reached at:

Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth

Bureau of Construction Codes

Building Division
P.O. Box 30254
Lansing, MI 48909

(517) 241-9202

http://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-10575_17394_17412-257479--,00.html

Specific Building Complaints

Roof:  A person, who has complaints against contractors concerning roofing problems, may file a complaint by contacting the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth at:

Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth

Bureau of Commercial Services

Enforcement Division

PO Box 30018

Lansing, MI, 48909

(517) 241-9202

http://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-10575_17394_17412-257479--,00.html
 

Plumbing:  A person, who has complaints against contractors concerning plumbing installation problems, may file a complaint by contacting the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, Bureau of Construction Code, Plumbing Division  in the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor, and Economic Growth and can be reached at:

Michigan Department of Energy, Labor, and Economic Growth

Bureau of Construction Codes
Office of Administrative Services
P.O. Box 30254
Lansing, MI 48909

            (517) 335-2972

Furnace Repairs:  A person, who has complaints against contractors concerning furnace repairs, may file a complaint with the Bureau of Construction Code, Mechanical Division in the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth and can be reached at:

Michigan Department of Energy, Labor, & Economic Growth

Bureau of Construction Codes
Office of Administrative Services
P.O. Box 30254
Lansing, MI 48909

            (517) 335-2972

Electrical Repairs:  The Bureau of Construction Code, Office of Local Government and Consumer Services in the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth is authorized to handle complaints against electrical contractors and their employees and can be reached at:

Michigan Department of Energy, Labor, & Economic Growth

Bureau of Construction Codes
Office of Administrative Services
P.O. Box 30254
Lansing, MI 48909

            (517) 335-2972