Kalamazoo Times

Microchipping isn't just for pets anymore - it's beginning to be used across the country as a tool to improve workplace efficiency.

Rep. Bronna Kahle introduced her plan to protect the privacy rights of Michigan workers as the use of this technology becomes more widespread. She spoke last week before the House Commerce and Tourism Committee.

“In this day and age of increased technology – more than ever – Michigan job providers have the responsibility to balance the interests of the company with their employees’ expectations of privacy,” Kahle said in a press release from the Michigan House Republicans. “As companies across the country are exploring cost-effective ways to increase workplace efficiency, microchipping has been a hot topic in many conversations. While these miniature devices are on the rise, so  are the calls of workers to be protected from unwarranted invasions of  their personal privacy.”

Microchips, or radio-frequency identification tags, are being implanted into employees' hands and used to replace identification badges, time cards, username and passwords for security clearance and credit cards. Only a few US companies are currently using the technology, but several businesses could follow suit in the next few years, including businesses in Michigan.

“While this type of technology hasn’t quite made its way into Michigan, I  wouldn’t be surprised if it becomes a standard business practice statewide within the next few years,” Kahle said in the press release from the Michigan House Republicans. “There’s a fine line  between corporate convenience and employee freedoms – it’s never too  soon to get ahead of these devices.”

Kahle's plan would allow Michigan business owners to use microchipping but not deny someone employment if they refuse the procedure. While protecting workers' rights, Kahle's plan allows for Michigan businesses to increase efficiency. 

“This pro-active plan doesn’t prohibit job providers from offering microchips to employees, it installs a framework to protect hard-working  Michiganders’ rights by ensuring the practice of microchipping is voluntary,” Kahle said in the press release.. “To me, that’s a good balance. We’re making sure companies are not conditioning job offers on microchip insertions and that no Michigan worker loses his or her job for refusing one. While  it’s important to cultivate an environment for businesses to thrive, we  also must be taking appropriate steps to protect and respect the rights of all employees.”

Five states have already outlawed mandatory microchipping for employees.