Michigan Employment Law Attorneys: We’ve Got Your Back at Work

When a fresh work week rolls around, you act like any sensible employee would: show up on time, put in the hours, and do your job the right way. Heck, you even treat your coworkers with respect and decency. All you ask in return? Mutual respect, fair pay, and a workplace that doesn’t make your life miserable.

But when your boss, HR, or some other higher-up crosses the line, it doesn’t just sting. It can flip your whole world upside down, especially when you’ve got bills to pay and people to provide for. Whether you’ve faced discrimination, harassment, or a firing that felt suspicious as hell, one thing is for certain: You deserve better.

Here at Punchwork Law, our attorneys actually listen and fight hard to protect your rights as an employee. And we don’t just talk the talk. We roll up our sleeves, dig into your case, and help you push back against whoever’s wronged you.

Ready for a firsthand look at real justice? Your initial consultation is 100% free. Just bring your story, and we’ll bring the fight. Reach out to our team today to get a trusted perspective and build a strong case.

Key Takeaways

Michigan workers are protected by both state and federal labor and employment laws, even in “at-will” jobs.
Common issues we handle include workplace discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, unpaid wages, harassment, hostile workplaces, and EEOC/MDCR complaints.
Hiring a Michigan employment attorney gives you a team that knows the law, has your back, and works tirelessly to help you win back what you’re owed.
Our Michigan employment law firm represents workers across all industries: automotive, healthcare, education, hospitality, retail, restaurant, and more. Whatever the job, we fight to make sure you’re treated fairly.

Understanding Employment Law in Michigan

Straight talk: Michigan is an at-will employment state. That means your boss can fire you for almost any reason, or no reason at all. But there’s a big exception: If the firing (or any other treatment at work) breaks the law, you have the legal right to fight back.

Here are a few of the big Michigan-specific protections you should know:

Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA): This Michigan-based legislation makes it illegal for employers to discriminate based on race, sex, religion, age, marital status, disability, national origin, height, weight, familial status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Minimum Wage & Earned Sick Time Act: On February 21, 2025, the Michigan Legislature ruled that the state’s minimum wage be increased to $12.48 per hour, which is higher than the federal amount. This new law also guarantees employees the right to earn and use paid sick leave.
Michigan Occupational Health & Safety Act (MIOSHA): For over 50 years, MIOSHA has protected employees from job-related illnesses, injuries, and fatalities by setting and enforcing workplace safety and health standards.
Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act (PWDCRA): This act protects workers with disabilities from discriminatory practices, policies, and customs, and ensures reasonable accommodations are provided.
Michigan Wage and Fringe Benefits Act: This law requires the timely payment of wages, benefits, and final paychecks.
Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR): The state agency that investigates and enforces workplace discrimination and harassment complaints. If you’ve been mistreated because of who you are, the MDCR is often where your case starts: They handle investigations, mediation, and enforcement of Michigan’s civil rights laws.

On top of that, federal laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) also apply here in Michigan. Bottom line? You have more weapons in your legal arsenal than you might realize, and we’re here to help you use them.

Why Having an Experienced Michigan Employment Law Firm On Your Side Changes Everything

In Michigan, a lot of employers come prepared. Big auto companies, hospital systems, and even small businesses all have lawyers in their corner. HR? These people might act like they’re on your side, but they’re trained to protect the company, not you. So when your rights get stomped on, you’re usually the one left to deal with the fallout.

Unfair? Damn right. But that’s not where your story ends.

At Punchwork Law, we don’t sugarcoat or play games. We actually hear you out, tell it like it is, and give you real options. Then we help you hit back in all the ways that count. From big city offices to small-town shops, factories to hospitals, we’ve fought for Michigan workers in every corner of the state.

When you hire us, you get:

A team that knows both Michigan and federal labor laws inside and out
Honest advice and a strict no “legalese” policy
Help gathering evidence, filing complaints, and navigating agencies like the MDCR or EEOC
Fierce representation if your case goes to court

Put simply? We don’t back off. And we’ll never let employers treat the very people that keep their business running like they’re disposable.

The Employment Law Issues We Handle

Facing discrimination, harassment, or other forms of maltreatment at your job? No matter where you punch in, we’ll help you punch back. Here’s an overview of the employment issues we’re experts at handling:

Workplace Discrimination

Discrimination at work isn’t always a glaring neon sign. Sometimes it’s more covert, like being passed over for a promotion you earned or watching less-qualified coworkers move ahead of you. Other times, it’s blatant, like unequal pay, offensive comments, or being treated like you don’t belong just because of who you are.

Michigan law is crystal clear. Under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA), your boss can’t mistreat or exclude you because of your race, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, or even traits like height, weight, sexual orientation, or gender identity. That’s right: Michigan goes further than many states in protecting workers.

The tough truth? Discrimination can happen anywhere. It doesn’t matter if you wear a suit, scrubs, or steel-toe boots. Fortunately, the law’s got your back. And so do we.

If you think you’ve been singled out for unfair treatment, don’t shrug it off. Check out our Michigan Discrimination Lawyer page to see how we can help you fight back and make things right.

Wrongful Termination

Michigan may be an at-will employment state, but that doesn’t mean your boss gets a free pass to fire you for anything. If you were let go because you reported misconduct, took medical leave, or fell into a protected category, that’s wrongful termination. And we won’t let it slide.

Worried your situation might not fit the bill? Trust us, we’ve seen just about every excuse in the book. If the timing feels off, it probably is (and it’s worth looking into). Learn more about how our experienced attorneys handle these cases by visiting our Michigan Wrongful Termination page.

Retaliation at Work

Spoke up about harassment? Reported unsafe working conditions? If your hours suddenly got cut, you ended up stuck with the worst shifts, or you started getting booted from meetings, that’s retaliation. Plain and simple. And Michigan law says it’s illegal.

Retaliation can be subtle and sneaky. However, if the punishment started right after you stood up for yourself, that’s a surefire sign something’s off. With Punchwork on your side, you don’t have to take it lying down.

Harassment and Hostile Work Environments

A job that feels unsafe, uncomfortable, or downright toxic isn’t just insufferable. More often than not, this kind of environment signals that one (or more) laws are being violated. Whether it’s sexual harassment, bullying, racial slurs, or “jokes” that clearly cross the line, no one deserves to be treated like that.

If your employer looks the other way (or is the actual perpetrator), we step in to make sure they can’t ignore or harm you anymore.

Wage Theft, Overtime Issues, and Missing Paychecks

Hard work should equal fair pay. Simple math, right? Yet some employers still try to get “creative” with your paycheck, and not in a good way: misclassifying workers, erasing overtime, or “forgetting” final pay stubs. The Michigan Wage and Fringe Benefits Act clearly prohibits this, and we’ll fight to get your money back where it belongs.

EEOC and MDCR Claims

If you’re facing discrimination or retaliation of any kind, you may need to file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR). Real talk? The process can turn into a paperwork nightmare, filled with stressful deadlines and confusing legal speak.

Here’s what we do to make things easier:

File strong, timely complaints on your behalf
Guide you through investigations or mediation
Explain “Right to Sue” letters (aka your green light to go to court)
Help you move forward with confidence if your case continues

Want backup in this process? Head over to our Michigan EEOC Lawyer page.

How to Choose the Right Michigan Employment Lawyer

Not every lawyer “gets it.” Some talk down to you. Others barely even remember your name. That’s not us.

At Punchwork Law, we believe that every worker has value and dignity, even when the two feel lost. Our mission is clear: restore what you’ve lost and punch back at the people who took it.

Partnering with us means you’ll get lawyers who passionately follow these rules:

We listen.

Your story matters, and we’re not rushing you. Our attorneys want to know every detail, from how you’ve been hurt to how you want us to handle it.

We’re real.

Leave the legal jargon to the lawyers. When discussing your case, we’ll always use language you can understand. Have questions? Our team will explain things clearly and make sure you walk out feeling heard and confident in your next steps.

We give a damn.

This isn’t paperwork. It’s your life, your peace, and your future. We’ll start with getting you justice, but we hope the outcome can bring healing, too.

We fight hard.

Big-name employers don’t scare us. We’re here to level the playing field and show corporate bullies that every person deserves respect.

Punch Back, Get Justice.

Work should pay the bills, not wreck your peace of mind. If your Michigan job feels more like a battlefield than a career, it’s time to take action. You’ve got rights, and with Punchwork Law backing you, you’ve got the muscle to use them.

It costs nothing to talk to us. And making your employer answer for their behavior? That payoff is priceless.

Message us now and find out just how good it feels to punch back.

Schedule Your Free Strategy Session

Have a quick question? Call or Text us!

Practice Areas

Your problem is unique, but it fits in a category of the law. This is the only time you will be put in a box, promise.

You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers.

Dealing with legal issues at work while you’re already under pressure? It’s a lot. Here’s the straight talk to make it simpler:

What does employment law in Michigan cover?

It covers discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage theft, wrongful termination, and other worker protections under both state and federal law.
Can you sue for discrimination in Michigan?

Yes. You can file a claim with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) or the EEOC. If they issue a “Right to Sue” letter, you can take your case to court.
Will I get in trouble for reporting my employer?

No. Retaliation is illegal. If your boss punishes you for speaking up, they’re essentially breaking the law twice.
What employee rights do Michigan workers have?

Michigan workers have the right to fair compensation, safe working conditions, and freedom from discrimination or harassment. State laws like the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, the Wage and Fringe Benefits Act, and MIOSHA, plus federal protections, all make sure your boss can’t fire, mistreat, or underpay you for illegal reasons.
What should I do if I’m being harassed at work?

Document everything. Report the harassment if you feel safe, and talk to an experienced lawyer if it continues. Harassment is wrong and illegal, period.
What if I’m not paid what I’m owed?

Keep records of hours worked and any pay received. Under Michigan law, your employer must pay wages and benefits on time. If they don’t, you can file a complaint or hire a lawyer to recover what’s yours.