The Michigan State Legislature now is considering a bill that would extend wage replacement benefits to all employed, injured – and even undocumented – workers.

The current Worker's Disability Compensation Act does not exclude undocumented workers, but the Michigan Supreme Court has ruled that injured, undocumented workers can receive medical benefits, but not lost wages.

House Bill 5572, now before the House Labor Committee, is sponsored by Rep. Steve Tobocman, D-Detroit, the state's House Majority Floor Leader. There are an estimated 140,000 undocumented workers in Michigan. Currently, Florida and Kansas also place similar restrictions on the right of undocumented workers to collect worker's compensation wage replacement benefits.

Tobocman argues that all workers – regardless of employment status – are entitled to the same rights as other workers.

For more information about the proposed legislation, from Tobocman's Web site, click here.

Written by Jenny Cromie, certified human resources specialist (CHRS)