In Michigan, while there isn't a general state law mandating a universal maximum number of consecutive days an employee can work without a day off, a specific arrangement allows for a work period of up to 14 consecutive days for purposes of overtime computation. This provision is legally recognized when certain conditions are met.
Understanding the 14-Day Work Period
Under Michigan law, specifically for the calculation of overtime, employers and employees can agree to a longer work period than the standard seven-day workweek. This extended period can be up to 14 consecutive days.
Key Conditions for the 14-Day Period:
For a 14-day work period to be legally accepted for overtime purposes, the following must be in place:
- Written Agreement or Policy: There must be a written agreement or a written employment policy.
- Prior Arrangement: This agreement or policy must be established and agreed upon between the employer and the employee before the work is performed.
- Purpose of Overtime: This 14-day period is specifically for the calculation of overtime, meaning that overtime hours would be calculated based on hours worked within this two-week period, rather than a single seven-day workweek.
This provision offers flexibility for certain industries or work arrangements where a traditional seven-day workweek schedule might not be practical for overtime calculations.
Implications for Consecutive Work Days
The existence of this 14-day work period for overtime computation indicates that working up to 14 consecutive days is a legally permissible arrangement in Michigan under the specified conditions. It does not, however, impose a general limit on consecutive work days for all employees in all industries. Instead, it provides a framework for how overtime is to be calculated when such an extended work period is agreed upon.
Official Reference
For more detailed information on this provision, you can refer to the official Michigan Legislature website: