Separation From Employment: Michigan

Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.

Author: Daniel Cohen, Ogletree Deakins

Summary

• Absent strong at-will language, employers may have to defend whether their discharge decisions were for proper cause. See Termination for Cause.
• Several Michigan laws contain anti-retaliation provisions, which prohibit employers from discharging employees for opposing violations and for otherwise asserting their rights. See Retaliation Protections.
• The Whistleblowers Protection Act protects employees who report or who are about to report violations and suspected violations of the law. See Whistleblowers.
• Michigan employees who are terminated involuntarily may be eligible for unemployment benefits unless they have committed misconduct or otherwise been disqualified from receiving benefits. See Disqualification From Unemployment Benefits.
• Terminated employees, whether they are terminated involuntarily or voluntarily resign, must be paid by the next regular payday to avoid penalties. See Termination Pay.