Minnesota Legislature Introduces the “Working Parent Act”

Minnesota’s Bill H 1093, introduced on February 19th, proposes numerous changes to Minnesota’s employment provisions. The bill also known as “Working Parent Act,” covers employee rest and meal breaks, fair scheduling, and earned sick and safe time.

Under the proposed bill, employees must get a 10 minute break for every four hours worked. An employer must also allow an employee a 30 minute meal break for every five or more hours worked.  The meal break can only be waived if there is a mutual consent between employer and employee. Additionally, an employer must provide each employee with a work schedule at least 21 days before the first day of that work schedule. If any changes must be made to the work schedule, employers must notify the employee within 24 hours of making the change. Employers will be responsible for posting the work schedule that includes all employees’ hours in a conspicuous place in the worksite.  An employee’s work week must begin on the same day of the week each week, unless the employer provides a written notice of the change 21 days before the change occurs. Employer must not require an employee to seek or find a replacement for any shifts or hours the employee is unable to work.

Also under the bill, employees can decline work hours that occur less than 11 hours after the end of the previous shift or during the 11 hours following the end of a shift that spanned two days. If the employee decides to work these hours, the employer must pay him or her one-and-one-half time the employee’s regular rate of pay.

Under the earned sick and safe time provision, an employee will accrue a minimum of one hour of earned sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked. The sick and safe time will begin to accrue at the commencement of employment and employees can start using the time 90 days following commencement of their employment.

Compliance Poster Company is tracking the progress of this bill and will provide updates when available. Make sure to visit our website soon!