Mich. Admin. Code R. 408.22361
Rule 1361. At the request of an affected employer, employee, or employee representative, the department may hold an informal conference for the purpose of discussing any issues raised by an inspection or investigation, citation, notice of proposed penalty, or appeal petition. If the conference is requested by the employer, an affected employee or employee representative shall be afforded an opportunity to participate, at the discretion of the department. If the conference is requested by an employee or employee representative, the employer shall be afforded an opportunity to participate, at the discretion of the department. A party may be represented by counsel at the conference. No conference or request for conference shall operate as a stay of the 15 working day period for filing an appeal petition to the department or notice of appeal to the board as prescribed in R 408.22351, R 408.22352, and R 408.22354.
Mich. Admin. Code R. 408.22361