MI HB5826

Prohibits employers from requiring employees to attend employer-sponsored meetings or participate in communications whose primary purpose is to promote the employer's opinions on religious or political matters, or to discourage unionization and collective bargaining.

Protects employees from discharge, discipline, or retaliation for making good-faith reports of violations, bringing civil actions to enforce the act, or cooperating with investigations.

Allows employees to bring civil actions within 1 year of the alleged violation and entitles prevailing employees to damages, equitable relief including reinstatement, reasonable attorney fees and costs, and potentially up to 3 times actual damages.

Exempts meetings or communications directed to employees of religious, political, or labor organizations, and lectures or classes required for student instructors that are part of regular educational coursework.

Provides an alternative cause of action that does not limit employees' rights to pursue common law wrongful termination claims or protections under collective bargaining agreements.