Learn about youth labor laws and more
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Wage and Hour Bulletin
"September 2025"
Workplace Rights Week is Sept. 21-27
Workplace Rights Week logo
Join us for a week dedicated to raising awareness about workplace protections in Minnesota. The Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) will be:
* visiting businesses and community organizations;
* hosting featured webinars;
* conducting Labor Standards mobile clinics to answer questions and share resources; and
* hosting a Facebook Live Q&A about wage and hour rights.
View the full schedule and register at dli.mn.gov/rights-week [ [link removed] ].
*Have a question for the Facebook Live Q&A? *Submit questions in advance using our Microsoft Forms link [ [link removed] ]. Even if your question is not answered during the live event, someone from DLI will follow up with a response.
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Young cafe worker
Back-to-school reminder: Youth employment rules
As the school year begins, employers should remember minors have limits on the hours they can work during the school year and certain hazardous jobs are prohibited. These rules help keep students safe, healthy and focused on learning.
*Key reminders*
* Age restrictions: The type of work and hours a youth can work depend on their age.
* School-year limits: Youth can only work certain hours on school days.
*More information*
* Learn more at mn.gov/child-labor [ [link removed] ].
* Watch the video, "Child labor laws in Minnesota" [ [link removed] ].
* Attend a webinar, "Labor standards for young workers and their families in Minnesota [ [link removed] ]", Sept. 11, from 10-11 a.m.
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Time off for a child's school conference: It's the law
Minnesota law allows parents and guardians to take up to 16 hours of unpaid leave during any 12-month period to attend school conferences or school-related activities related to their child.
*Requirements*
* The event cannot be scheduled during non-work hours.
* If the need for leave is foreseeable, employees must give reasonable notice to their employer.
Learn more by reviewing our fact sheet, "School conferences and activities leave [ [link removed] ]".
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National Restaurant Workers Day is Sept. 25
On Sept. 25, we recognize the vital role restaurant workers play in driving Minnesota's hospitality industry forward. From chefs and servers to dishwashers, hosts and managers, these workers are the backbone of one of our state's largest economic sectors.
Many restaurant workers benefit from Minnesota's labor protections, including minimum wage, overtime and earned sick and safe time. Let's take a moment to appreciate their hard work and make sure their workplace rights are upheld year-round.
* Visit mn.gov/restaurant [ [link removed] ] for resources and guidance about fostering a compliant and thriving workplace.
* Watch the video, "Navigating labor standards in the restaurant and hospitality industry [ [link removed] ]".
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September featured case
A 16-year-old was injured while working on a residential construction site in Minnesota. Under Minnesota law, minors under 18 are prohibited from engaging in hazardous occupations, including construction work. DLI investigated and issued a penalty to the employer for employing the minor in a hazardous occupation, resulting in injury. In addition, DLI provided education to the employer and put it on notice that minors cannot work on construction sites.
* For more information about child labor laws, visit dli.mn.gov/child-labor [ [link removed] ].
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DEED to host Paid Leave information sessions for employers
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), in partnership with local chambers of commerce, is hosting in-person information sessions about Minnesota's Paid Leave program.
These events will provide an overview of the program, share the latest updates and offer a chance to get your questions answered. Employers will learn how to set up Paid Leave accounts, designate a Paid Leave administrator and make key decisions to prepare for implementation.
Find a session near you at mn.gov/deed/paidleave/about/events [ [link removed] ].
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Question of the month
*Can an employer require an employee to use paid leave benefits such as sick time, vacation or paid time off for time used to express milk?*
No, an employer may not reduce an employee's compensation for time used for the purpose of expressing milk. Compensation includes earned or accrued leave benefits.
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"Wage and Hour Bulletin" archive
Access past editions of the "Wage and Hour Bulletin" [ [link removed] ].
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Questions?
Labor Standards serves the people of Minnesota by providing
information about the state's wage, hour and employment laws.
Phone: 651-284-5075 or 800-342-5354
Email:
[email protected]
Website: dli.mn.gov [ [link removed] ]
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minnesota department of labor and industry [ [link removed] ]
*Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry | www.dli.mn.gov [ [link removed] ] *
651-284-5005 or 800-342-5354
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