During Workplace Rights Week, Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Highlight New Worker Protections

Press Release

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.”

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 the Women’s Economic Security Act to expand rights for lactating employees
Establishment of the Minnesota OSHA Ergonomics Program
Establishment of a Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board
New worker safety requirements for warehouse distribution centers
Safe Workplaces for Meat and Poultry Processing Workers Act
Construction Worker Wage Protection Act
Fair labor standards for agricultural and food processing workers
Noncompete clauses

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.

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