MI SB0331

Extends the statute of limitations for wage violation claims from 3 years to allow employees to bring civil actions for unpaid wages and seek equal liquidated damages plus attorney fees and costs.

Authorizes the commissioner to bring civil actions on behalf of all similarly situated employees at the same work site who have not filed individual claims, with no employer contract or wage agreement serving as a bar to such action.

Adds civil fine of up to $1,000 for employers who fail to pay minimum hourly wage or violate compensatory time provisions under section 4a.

Expands equal pay protections in section 13 to prohibit wage discrimination based on religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, or marital status for work requiring equivalent skill, effort, and responsibility under comparable working conditions.

Makes violations of the equal pay section enforceable under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (1976 PA 453) with all associated remedies in addition to other civil liabilities and fines.