Updates About Jobs

In April, unemployment rates fell in 15 of Michigan’s 17 labor market areas, according to the Department of Technology, Management and Budget. Prior to this spring, all 17 areas experienced a year-over-year increase in unemployment, with a median rise of 0.5%. However, beginning in April there was a median decrease in unemployment at a rate of 0.2%, with rates ranging from 3% to 6.8%. The largest reduction was in Northeast Lower Michigan, while Flint and Muskegon saw no change.

Over the past year, employment rose in 14 markets, with a median increase of 1.2%, and Niles showing the most growth. Unemployment rate reductions were noted in 68 of 83 counties, with Livingston County having the lowest rate of unemployment at 2.5% and Mackinac County with the highest at 14.3%. The Upper Peninsula saw the biggest decrease in labor force levels at 1.1%, but there was a median decrease of 0.7% across the state. The sectors with the most added employment opportunities were professional and business service industries and construction.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Legislators are bracing for potential upheaval should the state’s minimum wage law be invalidated by the Michigan Supreme Court. If the court strikes down the existing law, which allows tips to count towards minimum wage, Michigan could see its minimum wage potentially rise to over $13 per hour. Advocates for the wage increase, such as One Fair Wage, believe an increased wage is essential to filling low-wage job vacancies. However, critics in the hospitality industry worry that the prices of food and beverages will rise and layoffs may occur due to restaurant labor costs increasing by 250%. The fate of Michigan’s paid sick leave law also hangs in the balance.

Whitmer and State Lawmakers are considering their options, weighing the need to uphold the spirit of voter initiatives while ensuring the viability of small businesses. Worker advocates are pushing for further increases in the minimum wage to $15 by 2027, while industry representatives emphasize the importance of retaining the tip credit system. The court’s decision, expected by the end of July, could have far-reaching implications for Michigan’s economy and political landscape.

Governor Whitmer recently signed groundbreaking clean energy legislation that positions the state as a national frontrunner in combating climate change. These bills, part of the MI Healthy Climate Plan, promise to slash household utility costs by an average of $145 annually, generate 160,000 well-paying jobs, and bring in nearly $8 billion in federal funds for clean energy initiatives. The package boasts a 100% clean energy standard by 2040 (SB 271), driving Michigan toward renewable energy sources while fostering economic growth and elevating labor standards.

The comprehensive package also includes measures to improve energy efficiency and reduce waste (SB 273), the formation of the Office of Worker and Community Economic Transition (SB 519), and streamlined processes for clean energy projects (HB 5120). The legislation places special attention on protecting local communities (SB 502) and farmers’ rights to engage in solar projects on their own land (SB 277).