As 2025 comes to a close, we want to thank workers, employers and community partners across Minnesota for a great year of teamwork, learning and progress. Together, we made important strides in labor standards and took big steps toward building more compliant and supportive workplaces for the benefit of everyone.

End-of-the-year compliance checklist

Make sure you are ready for Jan. 1, 2026.

For employers:

• Update rest and meal break policies as needed.
• Ensure earned sick and safe time (ESST) policies reflect 2025 updates.
• Notify your employees about Paid Leave.
• Audit worker classifications (employee versus independent contractor).
• Ensure a wage notice is on file for every employee.

For workers:

• Confirm your 2026 pay rate and payroll schedule.
• Understand your eligibility for ESST and Paid Leave.
• Understand your break rights under the law.
• Confirm your classification.
• Review deductions and ask questions about anything unclear.

What workers should know before starting a job

When starting a new job in Minnesota, workers are entitled to clear information about their rights and conditions of employment.

New hires should receive:

• A wage notice with accurate information about wage rates, pay frequency and deductions (if any).
• Other required employee notices.

December featured case

An employee was given non-attendance "points" for absences while using ESST, prompting a retaliation complaint to DLI. After the employer failed to remedy the situation, DLI issued a compliance order that resulted in a $5,000 penalty and required policy changes. About 250 employees benefited from the changes in policy. This case is a reminder:  Employers cannot retaliate against workers for using ESST.

• Visit mn.gov/sick-leave.
• Watch our ESST video.