ST. PAUL, MN - During Minnesota’s first-ever workplace rights week, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan are highlighting new worker protections signed into law by Governor Walz. Elevated by the new laws, including earned sick and safe time and paid family and medical leave, Minnesota ranks among top states for workers and their families. Today, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan joined workers at Health Systems Cooperative Laundries to discuss worker rights and highlight the new workplace protections.

“No matter where you work, we’re going to make sure you’re safe and healthy on the job,” said Governor Walz. “We’re supporting families, expanding worker protections, and giving workers a greater voice.”

“Feeling safe at work is not a privilege, it’s a right. When our workforce is protected, empowered, and healthy, we all benefit,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “That’s why, in Minnesota, we are investing in our employees through expanded access to paid leave and earned sick and safe time, and making sure everyone knows their rights.”

In 2023, Governor Walz signed several new Minnesota workplace laws. These laws ensure safer working conditions, expand worker protections, and protect paid time off. The laws include:

- Earned sick and safe time

- Paid family and medical leave

- Updates to theWomen’s Economic Security Actto expand rights for lactating employees

- Establishment of theMinnesota OSHA Ergonomics Program

- Establishment of aNursing Home Workforce Standards Board

- New worker safety requirementsfor warehouse distribution centers

- Safe Workplaces for Meat and Poultry Processing Workers Act

- Construction Worker Wage Protection Act

- Fair labor standardsfor agricultural and food processing workers

- Noncompete clauses

“Minnesotans have the right to a safe workplace and to be paid what they are owed; they deserve to understand their workplace rights and feel empowered to assert them,” said DLI Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach. “This is a week when DLI will work in partnership with unions, community groups and other local, state and federal agencies to share information and connect with workers and employers.”

In recognition of Workplace Rights Week, DLI staff members plan to visit more than 1,000 worksites statewide to share information with workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities under Minnesota laws.