Michigan Earned Sick Time Act

The Michigan Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) was signed into effect on February 21, 2025. The Michigan Earned Sick Time Act replaces the Michigan Paid Medical Leave Act (PMLA). Central Michigan University has expanded the relationships and uses for which benefit-eligible staff can use sick time. Please find additional details below. For more information related to sick time, please refer to your contract or handbook.

Authorized uses of sick time

Employees may use accrued sick time for personal or family health needs, as well as purposes related to domestic violence and sexual assault and school meetings needed as the result of a child’s disability, health issues, or issues due to domestic violence and sexual assault.

For the purposes of complying with the ESTA, “immediate family members” include the following kinship relationships:

Biological, adopted, or foster child, stepchild, or legal ward, a child of a domestic partner, or a child to whom the employee stands in loco parentis
Legal spouse under the laws of any state, or a domestic partner
Parent of the eligible employee/employee’s spouse/domestic partner: biological parent, foster parent, stepparent, or adoptive parent, legal guardian, or an individual who stood in loco parentis when the eligible employee was a minor child
Grandparent
Grandchild
Biological, foster, or adopted sibling
An individual related by blood to the employee
An individual whose close association with the employee is the equivalent of a family relationship, including those designated as an Other Eligible Individual under CMU’s policies.

The first 72 hours of sick time utilized in a calendar year (for the employee and/or employee’s immediate family member) will be considered time taken pursuant to and allowed by the Michigan Earned Sick Time Act and satisfies the university’s obligations thereunder.

Contact information

Employees with questions about the Michigan Paid Medical Leave Act may contact HR-Employment Services at 989-774-2010 or staffleaves@cmich.edu