ABC-SEMI Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 4, 2024

4 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. FEATURE STORY A Looming Threat for Merit Shop Companies As Lansing, Michigan, steers into a new political era, the city’s recent policy changes are sending ripples through the local business community, particularly impacting merit shop companies. These businesses, known for their competitive, non-union work environments, are now facing an increasingly challenging landscape. Recent legislative developments and regulatory shifts are poised to redefine the operational terrain, potentially stifling the flexibility and autonomy that merit shop companies have long enjoyed. With new policies tightening labor regulations and altering workforce management practices, the once-promising climate for merit- based business models is starting to look decidedly uncertain. As Lansing transitions through these changes, the road ahead for merit shop companies seems fraught with potential hurdles, signaling a turbulent period for those who have thrived on a foundation of meritocratic principles. What Has Happened? • Michigan Democrats took control of both the House and Senate Chamber while also holding the Governor’s office for the first time in 40 years. Lansing’s Pro-Union Policy Shift

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