LANSING – The Michigan House of Representatives today passed a plan proposed by State Representative Marc Corriveau (D-Northville) that will protect crime victims from losing their jobs when they request time off to go to court.
"Crime victims shouldn't have to worry that taking time off to appear in court and see justice served will put their jobs in jeopardy," Corriveau said. "Court proceedings can be extremely difficult and traumatizing for victims. During such a challenging time, our workers deserve to know that their jobs will be waiting for them when they are ready to return to work."
Under the plan, an employee who is a victim of a crime would be entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period to attend a trial or other court proceeding relating to the crime. The plan also protects the employee from losing seniority, and rights or benefits determined by seniority, for using leave time to attend court proceedings. The protection would not only apply to victims of crime, but also would include relatives of victims killed in relation to the crime.
Employers who fire an employee for requesting unpaid leave or who discourage a request for time off to attend court proceedings would face a civil infraction and be liable to the employee for all damages incurred, including attorney fees.
"Losing a loved one to a violent crime is devastating," Corriveau said. "Family members not only need time to mourn, but they also need time to face the attacker in court. This plan will support our workers and protect their jobs."