Michigan Hosts Workplace Rights Week to Promote Safe and Equitable Workplaces for All 

LANSING, MICH. – To further exemplify Michigan’s commitment to protecting working people and the importance of the labor force to the state’s economy, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed April 24-28 as the third annual Workplace Rights Week in Michigan. 

Workplace Rights Week aims to promote the integral role Michigan’s labor force plays in advancing the state’s economy and educating the state’s workforce about their rights to have a safe workplace, to be paid for their work, to organize and advocate for better protections, while also leveraging their knowledge to create equity in Michigan’s growing economy.  

“Michigan has built some of the most significant industries and technologies that have transformed our world, with a proud history of hard work and resilience,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. "As we navigate and grow our economy, we must support our workforce and uphold their rights—it’s why I was proud to sign the Restoring Worker’s Right legislation. By continuing to stand in solidarity and promote workplace protections, we can create a thriving and prosperous economy that benefits all Michiganders, providing good-paying jobs and a better future for our families.”

During Workplace Rights Week, LEO will highlight important facts and resources with the goal of ensuring Michigan continues to have strong communities, a thriving workforce and pathways to prosperity. 

Schedule of Events 

Monday, April 24: Highlighting Key Protections Under Workers’ Compensation

Release of video highlighting key protections under Workers’ Compensation. This video and corresponding information is important for working people to understand should they  become injured at work. These protections ensure that hard working Michiganders can continue to thrive if a workplace injury occurs.  

Tuesday, April 25: Joint Webinar with Wage & Hour and the U.S. Dept. of Labor, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Join us for a joint webinar with the U.S. Department of Labor and Wage and Hour focused on minimum wage, overtime, the payment of wages and the employment of minors. Join the April 25th Webinar. 

Thursday, April 27: Know Your Civil Rights Webinar, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

The collaboration between the Department of Civil Rights and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) will focus on informing individuals of their protections under the Elliot Larsen Civil Rights Act. LEO's Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer, Kim Trent, will moderate the discussion. Join the April 27th Webinar. 

Friday, April 28: Workers' Memorial Day

Representatives from LEO and MIOSHA, in collaboration with Granger Construction, the Michigan Building Trades and Construction Council and construction trade representatives will visit Michigan State University's Duffy Daugherty Building addition to talk with working people about the significance of workplace safety rights and commemorate those who have lost their lives on the job. 

Friday, April 28: RESCHEDULED Webinar on the Economics of Unionization in our Communities, 4:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Hosted by Deputy Director of Labor, Sean Egan, featuring Professor Gordon Lafer of the University of Oregon, the webinar will highlight the benefits of unionization, covering economic data related to labor unions and their impact on our communities and economy. Join the April 28th Webinar. 

“At its core, workplace rights are about creating an environment where workers can thrive and businesses can succeed,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “Michigan’s hardworking employees and employers deserve access to resources that ensure safe and equitable working conditions so they can focus on driving our economy forward. By promoting workplace rights and protections, we can strengthen our workforce, support our businesses and build a brighter future for all Michiganders.” 

Among the origins of workplace rights in America, in May of 1886, both men and women fought for an eight-hour workday and greater workplace rights for all. May 1 is now celebrated around the world as a day recognizing working people.  

One of the many hard-fought gains is the right to a safe workplace, and to remind everyone of this critical mission, Worker’s Memorial Day is observed on April 28 every year across the country. This day remembers the people who lost their lives on the job and serves to advocate for efforts that make workplaces safer and healthier.  

In 1970, President Nixon signed into law the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which was designed to ensure “so far as possible every working man and woman in the nation safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources.” After this law went into effect, the incidence rate of nonfatal injuries and illnesses among private industry workplaces decreased dramatically, dropping from 10.9 cases per 100 in 1972 to just 2.8 cases per 100 in 2017.  

“These protections are in place to provide workers with support in various ways, and above all, they were designed to ensure fairness and safety,” said LEO Deputy Director Sean Egan. It is our hope that all Michiganders become aware of their rights so that they can feel empowered to effectively deal with any workplace related situations that may compromise their financial stability or overall health.”  

Visit Michigan.gov/WorkplaceRights to learn more about workplace rights and the history of the labor movement.