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Employment rights fact sheet

Wages

As an employee, you must receive at least the minimum wage per hour for all hours your employer requires you to work, including preparation time, on-the-job training, opening and closing times, and required meetings. You must receive earned sick and safe time. For more information about earned sick and safe time, visit dli.mn.gov/sick-leave. If your employer is not paying the minimum wage or overtime, you can file a claim with the Department of Labor and Industry, Labor Standards unit. Labor Standards will review your complaint to determine what action would be appropriate and inform you of its decision. (See Minnesota Statutes 177.24, 177.25 and Minnesota Rules 5200.0120.)

Additionally, your employer may not deduct from your wages for breakages, cash shortages, tools or uniforms. Some exceptions to this rule are allowed. Contact Labor Standards for more information (contact information is below). (See Minnesota Statutes 181.79 and 177.24, subdivisions 4 and 5.)

Getting paid

Each time you are paid, you must receive a statement listing all deductions, such as taxes, from your earnings (see Minnesota Statutes 181.032). The earnings statement should also include:

  • employee's name;

  • hourly rate of pay (if applicable);

  • number of hours worked in the pay period;

  • total gross earnings for the pay period;

  • total net earnings after all deductions are made;

  • date the pay period ends;

  • legal name of the employer;

  • the total number of sick and safe time hours available for use; and

  • the total number of sick and safe time hours used in the pay period.

Rest, meal breaks

Rest breaks are not required; however, you must be allowed time to use the nearest restroom once every four consecutive hours worked (see Minnesota Statutes 177.253). If you work eight or more consecutive hours, you must be allowed sufficient time to eat a meal (see Minnesota Statutes 177.254).

Overtime

Your employer must pay one-and-one-half times your regular rate of pay for overtime hours worked. Review the overtime information to learn if your employer is covered by state or federal law. (See Minnesota Statutes 177.25.)

If you are a minor

Minors are prohibited from working certain jobs and certain hours. Review the minimum age information for details. (See Minnesota Statutes 181.04 and Minnesota Rules 5200.0910 and 5200.0920.)

Safe workplace

You have the right to a safe workplace. If you believe safety or health hazards exist at your worksite, contact Minnesota OSHA at osha.compliance@state.mn.us, 651-284-5050 or 877-470-6742.

If you are injured on the job, immediately inform your employer. The employer has an obligation to provide you with workers' compensation benefits. Call 651-284-5005 or 800-342-5354 for more information.

Harassment-free work environment

Your employer must provide a work environment free from racial, sexual and religious harassment. Report violations to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights by calling 651-296-5663.

Unemployment

If your employment ends or your work hours are reduced, you may apply for unemployment benefits online or by using the automated phone option at 651-296-3644, in the Minneapolis or St. Paul metro area, or at 877-898-9090, in Greater Minnesota. You may choose English, Hmong, Somali or Spanish.

For more information

If you need more information, email or call: