NLRB Regions 7-Detroit and 18-Minneapolis Partner with Michigan Attorney General

Yesterday, Regional Directors of Regions 7-Detroit and 18-Minneapolis signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Michigan Attorney General’s office. The purpose of this MOU is to maximize and improve the enforcement of the National Labor Relations Act and the state laws of Michigan. The agreement allows the parties to closely collaborate by more broadly sharing information, conducting cross-training for staff at each agency, and partnering on investigative efforts within each agency’s authority.

The parties will work together to enforce laws relating to misclassification of workers as independent contractors, better root out financial practices that harm workers, protect workers who have been harmed or may be at risk of being harmed as a result of interference with the right of workers to obtain fair market compensation and freely exercise their legal rights under the laws, protect workers and promote fair competition in labor markets, better root out practices that harm workers in the “gig economy,” protect workers from retaliation when they exercise their rights, identify and prosecute labor traffickers, and address other issues that impact the legal protections of Michigan workers.

“This partnership marks a significant step in our joint efforts to ensure that Michigan employers follow the law and that workers understand their workplace rights,” said Region 7-Detroit Regional Director Elizabeth Kerwin. “This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to protecting Michiganders and ensuring workplace laws are enforced at the federal and state level.”

“By uniting our resources and expertise, we are poised to more thoroughly effectuate the National Labor Relations Act and ensure that our staff are trained on the mandates of each agency,” said Region 18-Minneapolis Regional Director Jennifer Hadsall.

"Protecting Michigan workers is paramount,” said Attorney General Nessel. “Labor laws ensure those in the workforce are treated fairly and are provided with a voice in determining the terms and conditions of their current and future employment. This partnership with the National Labor Relations Board bolsters our ability to enforce those laws and protect our workforce.”

The NLRB’s Region 7-Detroit office serves most of Michigan. Region 18-Minneapolis serves the western half of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Established in 1935, the National Labor Relations Board is an independent federal agency that protects employees, employers, and unions from unfair labor practices and protects the right of private sector employees to join together, with or without a union, to improve wages, benefits and working conditions. The NLRB conducts hundreds of workplace elections and investigates thousands of unfair labor practice charges each year. Region 18 serves areas in Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin from its Regional Office in Minneapolis and its Subregional Office in Milwaukee.