April 24-28, 2023: Workplace Rights Week

WHEREAS, Michigan’s workforce benefits from the right to organize, bargain collectively, and advocate for better protections; and,

WHEREAS, worker empowerment is key to ensuring that Michigan continues to have strong communities, a thriving middle class, and pathways to prosperity; and,

WHEREAS, the solidarity of Michigan workers established the Labor Movement that built the 20^th century economy with some of the lowest income inequality in American history; and,

WHEREAS, hardworking Michiganders that keep this state running and are making a difference deserve easy access to state resources for workplace rights; and, 

WHEREAS, I was proud to sign legislation repealing “Right to Work” to ensure workers can more effectively bargain together for fair wages, reinstate prevailing wage for all state projects, and roll back the retirement tax to save half a million households an average of $1,000 a year; and,

WHEREAS, in Michigan, economic development and supporting workers are top priorities; and,

WHEREAS, the collective efforts of the Bureau of Employment Relations, Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency, and Wage and Hour Division within the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity present Workplace Rights Week; and, 

WHEREAS, to showcase the state’s commitment to working people and establishing Michigan as a place for economic prosperity for all, we are highlighting these resources so working people better understand their rights and feel empowered to fight for fair wages, benefits, and workplace protections;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 24 – 28, 2023, as Workplace Rights Week in Michigan.