Michigan Votes Forum

 The fact that there even has to be a bill to avoid this happening amazes me. To me it seems like a case of discrimination, and don't we already have laws against that? I understand having sick family members may force an employee to need time off, but don't see why that should be reason to not hire or terminate someone. As far as any health insurance this employee may be entitled to, they usually have requirements for whom they will insure. I think it is a sad day in the United States when we have to make laws against such things.

I also am appalled by the idea that legislation such as this should be needed in our current era.  But based on the well reported recent behavior of at least one Michigan employer, it evidently is needed to protect employee rights.

People should be hired on the basis of their qualifications to do the job, (or retained, or fired on the basis of their performance on or in the job).  Family circumstances should have no bearing on these decisions. 

This bill should pass, along with HB 4531 which is similar. 

(HB 4531 would prohibit employers from adopting policies that restrict or govern the legal activities their their employees’ engage in off the job.)