Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance Calls for Immediate Action on the Earned Sick Time Act
On Valentine’s Day, while many are celebrating love and appreciation, small businesses across northern Michigan are feeling anything but cherished. With just one week left in the legislative session, time is running out for lawmakers to fix looming policy changes that could have devastating consequences for small businesses and the hospitality industry. If the legislature fails to act, it’s game over for many rural businesses – Michigan’s job creators are not pawns in a political game.
“We support fair wages and paid leave, but the current proposals put rural businesses in a dire position. Without clearer language and taking seasonality into account, you are not only risking small, family-owned businesses but also the people whose livelihoods depend on our survival,” said Katy Bertodatto, owner of Golden Swan Management. “Without key amendments, these mandates will create significant financial and operational burdens, threatening jobs and the economic stability of Northern Michigan communities.”
The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance, representing over 7,500 businesses across Northern Lower Michigan and the U.P., calls on lawmakers to act immediately. Specifically, the Alliance urges the legislature to:
- Address the Actual Need: Most employers already offer paid time off. A clear, minimum PTO standard—rather than rigid mandates—would prevent businesses from being penalized for policies they already provide.
- Exempt Seasonal Employees – Northern Michigan’s seasonal businesses rely on short-term hires and cannot absorb the administrative burden or staffing disruptions this legislation creates.
“Northern Michigan’s small businesses are the heart of our communities,” said Alliance chair Nikki Devitt. “If lawmakers truly care about supporting Michigan’s workforce, they must find a balanced approach that protects both employees and the businesses that employ them. Don’t let it be game over for small businesses.”
“Lawmakers seem out of touch with how these policies will actually impact small businesses,” added Bill Mansfield, owner of Lavender Hill Farm. “This one-size-fits-all approach is simply unworkable when your workforce is made up of high school students working only six weeks a year. Not only do rural, seasonal, and part-time employers have a completely different workforce than Michigan’s large global firms and manufacturers, but it doesn’t even compare to other small businesses.”
With only one week left to act, the clock is ticking. Northern Michigan businesses deserve policies that support—not hinder—their ability to grow and compete.