Originally published on March 17, 2021 6:57 am
It is likely that Michigan s emergency rule restricting most in-person office work will be extended for up to six months after it expires in mid-April, according to Sean Egan, COVID-19 workplace safety director for Michigan s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
But Egan said the restrictions could be modified at any time as COVID vaccination rates and case rates change.
The restrictions are in an October 14 emergency order of the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA). Currently they require employers to prohibit in-person work if it can feasibly be done remotely.
Some business groups oppose an extension of the rule, claiming it would hurt the economy and cause permanent job losses. Reopen Michigan Safely is a recently formed coalition of business leaders who are calling on Governor Gretchen Whitmer to end the office ban on April 14th.
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Extending office ban 6 months would be bad for Michigan, business leaders say
Updated Mar 04, 2021;
Posted Mar 04, 2021
Office workers must work from home when their work can be done remotely through at least April 14.
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Michigan businesses still aren’t allowed to have employees spend their days at offices if their work can be done remotely, and some are concerned the ban could be extended.
“Zoom is nice, but it simply doesn’t replace the need for in-person work in complex situations,” said Veronica Horn, president and CEO of the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce. “I think we’ve all learned it’s hard to innovate and collaborate from our kitchen tables.”