The bill proposes significant amendments to Minnesota labor laws, focusing on employer and employee rights, definitions, and compliance measures. It introduces new definitions for "large employer" and "small employer," which will take effect on January 1, 2025, and modifies existing provisions to ensure the privacy of employee complainants while allowing for certain disclosures with consent. Additionally, it mandates that electronically received gratuities be credited to employees' pay periods and distributed by the next scheduled pay period, effective August 1, 2024. The bill also enhances compliance requirements for employers, including the submission of employment records to the commissioner and penalties for non-compliance, while allowing the commissioner to issue compliance orders and establish escrow accounts for distributing damages.

Further amendments address labor relations, particularly regarding strikes, grievances, and employee accommodations. Key changes include a requirement for teachers to provide written notice of intent to strike at least ten days prior, the introduction of salary range disclosures in job postings effective January 1, 2025, and the establishment of a grievance procedure with compulsory binding arbitration for disciplinary actions. The bill also clarifies drug testing procedures, restricts employment covenants that prevent hiring, and outlines new workplace safety requirements, particularly for ergonomics programs and surgical smoke evacuation systems. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen labor protections, enhance employee rights, and clarify employer responsibilities in Minnesota.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 326B.0981, 326B.33, 326B.36
1st Engrossment: 13.79, 177.23, 177.24, 157.15, 177.30, 179.01, 179.06, 179.08, 179.11, 179.12, 179.254, 179.256, 179.26, 179.27, 179.35, 179.40, 179.43, 179A.02, 179A.03, 179A.06, 179A.08, 179A.10, 179A.104, 179A.12, 179A.15, 179A.16, 179A.18, 179A.19, 179A.20, 179A.23, 181.941, 181.943, 181.950, 181.951, 181A.08, 181A.12, 182.664, 182.665, 182.666, 182.667, 326.02, 326B.0981, 326B.33, 326B.36, 326B.46, 626.892