By Andi Anderson
Michigan farming and agribusiness organizations are urging lawmakers to revise the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) before new changes take effect in February. These changes could negatively impact family farms and rural businesses by limiting flexibility in employee leave policies.
A letter sent to the Michigan Senate highlights concerns over ESTA’s rigid structure, which applies even to small businesses and seasonal workers.
Farm groups argue that these changes will create challenges for agricultural operations that depend on flexible labor arrangements due to the unpredictable nature of farming.
The Michigan Agri-Business Association and Michigan Farm Bureau are among the groups advocating for change. “Rural businesses compete to attract and retain workers with strong benefits, but these new ESTA rules will make it harder,” said Chuck Lippstreu, president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association.
Rob Anderson, Manager of State Government Relations for the Michigan Farm Bureau, echoed similar concerns, emphasizing that Michigan farms play a vital role in rural job creation. “We appreciate the House’s efforts to address this issue, but we now need the Senate to act,” he said.
The farm groups are proposing several key changes to ESTA:
- Exempt small businesses with up to 50 employees and family farms.
- Allow seasonal, part-time, and temporary workers to be exempt.
- Permit half-day leave increments to accommodate farm work schedules.
- Require employees to give reasonable notice before taking leave.
- Simplify leave accrual by allowing an annual front-loaded system.
- Keep oversight with state agencies rather than allowing direct legal claims.
These organizations stress that without adjustments, ESTA changes could disrupt farm operations, food production, and rural employment. They are calling on legislators to take action to protect Michigan’s agricultural economy.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Michigan, Rural Lifestyle