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New sick leave requirements in February

As both the Office of Benefits and Human Resources for the Conference, we typically focus this newsletter on benefits-related updates. However, an important new law in Michigan—the Michigan Earned Sick Time Act—will take effect on February 21, 2025, and it may require changes to your church’s sick leave policy.

Here’s what you need to know:

Who Is Affected?

This law applies to all employers in Michigan, including churches. While churches can exceed these guidelines if desired, they must at least meet the minimum requirements.

Key Requirements of the Law:

  1. Accrual Rate: Employees earn 1 hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked.
  2. Paid Time Minimums:
    • Employers with 10 or more employees: 72 paid hours per year.
    • Employers with fewer than 10 employees: 40 paid hours and 32 unpaid hours per year.
  3. Start Date for Accrual:
    • Current employees begin accruing hours on February 21, 2025, with access as they earn them.
    • New employees start accruing upon employment, though access may be delayed by up to 90 days.
  4. Eligible Uses: Sick leave can be used for:
    • Employee illness (physical or psychological).
    • Care for a family member.
    • Obtaining services from domestic or sexual assault organizations.
    • Other qualifying reasons.
  5. Unused Hours: All unused earned sick time carries over year-to-year, but employers are not required to allow usage beyond the annual maximum.
  6. End of Employment: Employers are not obligated to pay out unused sick time upon resignation, layoff, retirement, or termination.

Additional Employer Requirements:

  • Maintain time records for all employees (exempt, nonexempt, and clergy).
  • Post a permanent Michigan Earned Sick Time Act poster in the workplace.
  • Ensure compliance with other provisions outlined in the law.

For more detailed information, visit:

Need Assistance?

If you need help tracking employee time for compliance, please contact the Benefits Office. For additional questions, feel free to reach out to Ellen Zienert or Joel Walther.

Thank you for your attention to this important update!

Last Updated on December 30, 2024

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The Michigan Conference