News from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry

December 2025

Changes to workplace laws take effect Jan. 1, 2026

Key changes to Minnesota workplace laws take effect Jan. 1, 2026. Minimum wage Minnesota's minimum wage will increase to $11.41 an hour. The training wage for workers under 20 during their first 90 days will be $9.31 an hour. Breaks law New meal and rest break requirements also take effect.  Most employees must be allowed to receive a paid 15-minute break every four consecutive hours worked and an unpaid 30-minute meal break when working six or more consecutive hours. Learn more at dli.mn.gov/breaks. Paid Leave Minnesota Paid Leave also begins Jan. 1, 2026, providing paid, job-protected time off to care for oneself or a family member. While the Department of Employment and Economic Development will administer the Paid Leave program, the Department of Labor and Industry will oversee and enforce Paid Leave job protections. Employers may not retaliate, deny reinstatement or discontinue health insurance. Job protection details are available at dli.mn.gov/paid-leave-protections.

Dual-Training Pipeline 101 webinar is Dec. 17

Join us at 9 a.m. on Dec. 17, 2025, to learn the basics of employment-based training, share tips and advice about how to create a dual-training initiative at your company. Learn more about dual training and sign up for the webinar.

Grants available for registered apprenticeship

Grants to create and expand registered apprenticeship opportunities in Minnesota are available for businesses, community organizations and school districts. View current funding options and apply for a grant.

Workers' comp training for rehabilitation providers Feb. 9

The Workers' Compensation Division has scheduled its orientation and refresher training for qualified rehabilitation consultant interns, vendors and supervisors for Monday, Feb. 9, at the Department of Labor and Industry. Registration opens soon. Learn more on the WC training for rehabilitation providers webpage.

Next Construction Seminar to focus on electrical hazards

Minnesota OSHA Compliance's next free Construction Seminar, Tuesday, Jan. 20, will focus on electrical hazards on construction worksites. The brief seminars are offered both in person and online. Learn more on the Construction Seminar webpage.

MNOSHA fatality, serious-injury investigation summaries online

Each month, Minnesota OSHA (MNOSHA) Compliance publishes current, updated summaries of its fatality investigations and serious-injury investigations.

For the federal-fiscal-year that began Oct. 1, 2025, MNOSHA has investigated eight fatalities through Nov. 24.

The information provided about each investigation is:  the inspection number, date of incident and worksite city; the type of business and number of employees; a description of the event; and the outcome of the MNOSHA Compliance investigation.

• View the summaries.

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The Department of Labor and Industry ensures Minnesota's work and living environments are equitable, healthy and safe.