The law says you are protected when you: Speak up about wages that are owed to you • Report an injury or a health and safety hazard • File a claim or complaint with a state agency • Join together with other workers to ask for changes.
Information on your rights as workers, including: • Rest and meal breaks. • Minimum wage and overtime. • Safe and healthy jobs. • Taking action without being punished.
Article 33(1) of the Constitution states, "To enhance working conditions, workers shall have the right to independent association, collective bargaining and collective action." Towards better realization of these three basic labor rights for workers, the Labor Union Act was enacted.
Employees in Minnesota can have at least three breaks in an 8-hour shift. Every employee in Minnesota should have a restroom break every 4 hours of work. If an employee works 8 hours or more, employers must provide a 30-minute meal break. In addition, breaks of less than 20 minutes must be counted as worked hours.
Most often, workers' compensation is an exclusive remedy. However, there are situations in which an employer can be held civilly liable. For example, if you are the victim of assault and battery at work, that harm can give rise to a civil suit. In addition, gross negligence can also give rise to a civil claim.
File a complaint For more information, contact Minnesota OSHA (MNOSHA) Compliance at oshapliance@state.mn, 651-284-5050 or 877-470-6742.
If you work for more than 6 hours a day, you're entitled to an uninterrupted rest break of at least 20 minutes - for example a tea or lunch break. You must be allowed to take it during the day rather than at the beginning or end.