Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31, 2024
Media Contacts:
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association President & CEO Provides Statement on Adopt-and-Amend Court Ruling
LANSING, Mich. – "Today's tone-deaf ruling by the Michigan Supreme Court strikes a likely existential blow to Michigan’s restaurant industry and the nearly 500,000 workers it employs,” said Justin Winslow, President & CEO.
“As our recent industry operations survey illustrated, 40% of full-service restaurants in Michigan are already unprofitable, meaning this decision is likely to force more than one in five of them to close permanently, eliminating up to 60,000 jobs along the way.
We urgently call on the Michigan legislature to act swiftly, implementing a compromise solution that prevents this impending catastrophe before it is implemented. This action must consider the perspectives of both industry operators and tipped employees who have overwhelmingly expressed their preference to preserve the tip credit and the earning potential it provides. The future of Michigan's restaurant industry and the stability of Michigan’s overall economy hangs in the balance,” Winslow added.
“As our recent industry operations survey illustrated, 40% of full-service restaurants in Michigan are already unprofitable, meaning this decision is likely to force more than one in five of them to close permanently, eliminating up to 60,000 jobs along the way.
We urgently call on the Michigan legislature to act swiftly, implementing a compromise solution that prevents this impending catastrophe before it is implemented. This action must consider the perspectives of both industry operators and tipped employees who have overwhelmingly expressed their preference to preserve the tip credit and the earning potential it provides. The future of Michigan's restaurant industry and the stability of Michigan’s overall economy hangs in the balance,” Winslow added.
About the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,500 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 450,000 people and creating nearly $44.6 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,500 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 450,000 people and creating nearly $44.6 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
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