Tag: Business Law
COVID-19: Michigan Executive Orders Update Workplace Safeguards
Effective July 31, 2020, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Orders 2020-160 and 2020-161 modifying the Safe Start Order and implementing new workplace safeguards on Michigan businesses. Indoor gatherings will be limited to 10 people. Like the previous orders, employers are required to, among other items: (1) develop a COVID-19 preparedness plan consistent with guidance
Michigan Works Share Plans Allow Expanded Unemployment Compensation for Employees
As a part of Michigan’s COVID-19 relief, Governor Whitmer expanded the reach of federal unemployment benefits to Michigan Work Share Plan participants under Executive Order 2020-57. Work Share Plans allow Michigan employers to normally reduce employee hours and compensation by a set amount and affected employees can collect partial unemployment benefits at the same time
Trademarks and How Applications are Affected by COVID-19
A Federal Trademark is a powerful thing. Trademarking a phrase or logo allows you or your business to prevent others from copying what makes you unique. Think of Nike. Everyone immediately recognizes a Nike product by the “Nike swoosh logo.” Think of Google, Yahoo, and Twitter. All three of these were unique names that at
Employment Law Update: Developing a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan
Michigan’s stay at home order requires open in-person businesses to prepare a COVID-19 preparedness and response plan. Although the plan is currently required for COVID-19 any plan would also be useful for any future infectious disease preparedness. Any plan should include the following: Restrict the number of employees present on premises to no more than
Business Law Update: Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order to Reopen Construction and Real Estate Industries on May 7th
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an Executive Order on Friday, May 1st allowing the construction and real estate industries to go back to work starting at 12:01 am on Thursday, May 7th. Allowed activities include: Construction industry, including contractors such as plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians and similar workers. Real estate industry, including agents, appraisers, brokers, inspectors,
Small Business Exclusion under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which among other things will provide mandatory emergency FMLA leave and sick leave, is effective April 1, 2020 and ends December 31, 2020. Employers must post a notice about leave entitlements in a conspicuous location at their business. If you require a copy of the notice, please contact Shinners
Employment Law Update: Impact of New Federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act
On March 18th the Senate passed, and the President signed, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which among other things will provide paid family and sick leave to individuals in the U.S. affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus. The new law has a significant future impact on businesses with fewer than 500 employees. The law is
Buy-Sell Agreements: A Must for Every Business
Two friends have a great idea and decide to go into business together. The now-business-partners focus on finding capital to make the idea work, looking for a place to do business, and registering the company. The partners have many decisions to make and have no time to consider what will happen when the company ends,
The Green Rush
It’s being called the Green Rush for several reasons, but the one that should matter most to you is the amount of money that can potentially be made in Michigan’s Marijuana Industry. When voters decided to amend Michigan’s Constitution to allow for recreational marijuana, they opened the doors to a number of business opportunities for
Updating your Company’s Drug Policies in the age of Recreational Marijuana
There are many reasons that you don’t want your employees showing up to work high, but what can you do about it now that marijuana has been legalized in Michigan? Well for starters, the courts have held that the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act (“MMMA”) does not prohibit employers from disciplining employees based on marijuana use.[i]