Good News for Michigan Restaurant Workers Affected by Coronavirus Shutdown

You probably know someone in the restaurant or hospitality industry that was hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. My son, for instance, had two restaurant jobs when the quarantine began and saw a sharp decrease in hours at one of those jobs. And unemployment -- that was a painful process, to say the least.

But now there may be a ray of good news for Michigan hospitality workers who were impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Workers who lost their jobs or were furloughed any time during the quarantine are eligible for a one-time payment of $500.

Here's the link to apply and of course there are eligibility requirements.

The Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association has received a $2.5 million grant from the state of Michigan. That means 5,000 people can get a one-time payment of $500 each. But once 5,000 people are approved, applications will no longer be accepted.

If you're a restaurant or hospitality worker and you think you may qualify, we urge you to apply right away. The Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association began accepting applications this morning (9/22).

Justin Winslow, president and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association tells Mlive that about half of Michigan's 600,000 hospitality workers temporarily lost their jobs during the shutdown.

“We are thankful to Governor (Gretchen) Whitmer and the Michigan legislators for their support of the state’s hospitality workers,” Winslow said in a news release. “This important funding will make a difference for thousands of Michigan’s hospitality workers who have been struggling to survive after losing full-time work and high-paying jobs because of the pandemic.”