MSU Extension Farm Management

Introduction

All farm employers and workers need to be aware of and understand the various laws pertaining to labor. This publication attempts to create such awareness and lists references for fuller understanding.
This information has been compiled from reliable sources. It is a reference for general educational use. It does not constitute legal advice, and the publisher assumes no liability for actions taken on the basis of the information provided. It is the employer’s responsibility to keep abreast of current laws and changes.
An important single reference for farmers who employ a number of full-time workers or any seasonal or migrant labor is a subscription to the Agricultural Labor and Safety Services (ALSS) Newsletter offered by Michigan Farm Bureau. The program provides in-depth reviews of labor and related issues, employment postings, and on-site services. Contact Michigan Farm Bureau at 517-679-5352 or on their website (under Labor & Safety Products). A detailed guide to U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) posters is available online.
Important references for farm workers seeking legal advice are the Farmworker Calendar , the Michigan Legal Help webpage in English and Spanish, and the Farmworker Law Hotline 1-800-968-4046. General information can also be found at the U.S. Department of Labor website.

Table of Contents

Federal Wage Law...............................................................................................................................................4
Employee Records and Statements Required............................................................................................5
Michigan Wage Law............................................................................................................................................6
I. Payment of Wages and Fringe Benefits Act MCL 408.471................................................................6
II. Minimum Wage Law.........................................................................................................................................7
Michigan New Hire Reporting............................................................................................................................8
Federal and Michigan Laws on Youth Employment.....................................................................................9
Federal Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act......................................................12
Affordable Care Act (ACA).............................................................................................................................. 13
Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)........................................................................................ 13
Michigan Earned Sick Time Act...................................................................................................................... 14
Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act (MIOSHA)..................................................................... 15
Field Sanitation Rules...........................................................................................................................................17
Michigan Agricultural Labor Housing Law................................................................................................... 18
Federal Worker Protection Standard (WPS).............................................................................................. 19
Taxes Overview.....................................................................................................................................................21
I. Federal Income Tax Law.................................................................................................................................21
II. Michigan Income Tax Law............................................................................................................................22
III. Federal Social Security and Medicare Law..........................................................................................22
IV. Michigan Unemployment Insurance Law............................................................................................. 23
Michigan Workers’ Disability Compensation Law................................................................................... 24
Michigan Civil Rights Law................................................................................................................................ 24
Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)........................................................................................ 26
Federal Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA).............................................................................27