Waterford Today

State Representative Mike Harris and the House Republicans have swiftly acted to address concerns over tipped wages and earned sick time requirements for Michigan workers and small businesses. This move comes as a response to a Michigan Supreme Court decision that will take effect on February 21, potentially imposing new mandates for earned sick time and eliminating the tipped wage option.

The court's ruling is expected to complicate sick leave policies for small businesses and remove the ability of restaurant servers and bartenders to earn above minimum wage through tips. Since the decision was announced in July, Harris and his Republican colleagues have been advocating for legislative action. However, their efforts were previously blocked by the then-majority Democrats.

"House Republicans are back in majority, and we’re getting right down to business to protect the hard-working people of Michigan," said Harris, R-Waterford. He emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues before they negatively impact restaurant workers' pay, local businesses' operations, and overall employment rates.

Harris has co-sponsored two bills aimed at preserving the current system. House Bill 4001 seeks to maintain the tipped wage option, while House Bill 4002 proposes amendments to clarify earned sick time laws, allowing more flexibility for small businesses and their employees.

Additionally, Harris supported forming a Select Committee on Protecting Michigan Employees and Small Businesses. This committee will conduct hearings on these bills with an aim to expedite their passage through the House before the February deadline.

Recent surveys highlight potential repercussions if changes from 2018 proposals are implemented: layoffs by 66% of restaurant owners, closures by 20%, reduced operating hours by 42%, and price hikes by over 92% of restaurants. Another survey indicated that 82% of Michigan restaurant servers prefer retaining the tipping system due to fears of job loss without it.