Michigan workers would receive mandatory sick days under a newly filed initiative that could appear on the November ballot.
The group Michigan Time to Care turned in 382,239 signatures Tuesday for a petition to create an "Earned Sick Time Act" that would guarantee employees at least one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked. Businesses with 10 or more workers would be required to provide at least 72 hours of earned sick time per year, while smaller ones would have to grant 40 hours.
The proposal now awaits certification before heading to the Republican-controlled Legislature. If rejected there, the initiative would be put to a popular vote this fall.
Since 2015, Michigan has prohibited local governments from requiring that businesses provide earned leave time and other benefits.