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Events: Labor Standards

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's (DLI's) Labor Standards Division is providing a series of webinars to help workers and employers better understand the state's wage and hour laws.

These sessions include topics such as wage and hour basics, labor standards in the construction industry, child labor laws, workplace protections for expectant and new parents, minimum wage, overtime exemptions and sick, safe and medical leave laws.

Supporting women in the workplace:  Understanding Minnesota’s economic security protections 

This webinar will highlight Minnesota laws that support women’s economic security in the workplace, including protections around pay equity, pregnancy accommodations, nursing breaks, sick and safe time and more. Learn how these laws promote fairness, support working families and help ensure equal opportunity on the job. Presenters include representatives from DLI and the Minnesota Department of Health.

Employee or independent contractor? Understanding worker misclassification 

Misclassifying employees as independent contractors can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. This webinar will help workers and employers understand the difference between employee and independent contractor status under Minnesota law. Learn how classification affects wages, benefits and protections — and what to do if you think a worker has been misclassified.

Employment law basics for small businesses in Minnesota 

Description: Running a small business means wearing many hats, including staying compliant with labor laws. This webinar will provide a practical overview of key employment laws that apply to small employers, including: 

  • Wage and hour requirements 

  • Recordkeeping and posting obligations 

  • Paid leave and break laws 

  • Tips for avoiding common compliance issues 

Designed for small business owners, managers and HR staff, this session will help you build a legally sound workplace from the ground up.

  • May 20, from 2-3 p.m. Check back later for registration details.

Fundamentos de las leyes laborales para pequeñas empresas en Minnesota

Administrar una pequeña empresa significa asumir múltiples responsabilidades, incluyendo cumplir con las leyes laborales. Este nuevo seminario web en español ofrecerá una guía práctica sobre las leyes laborales esenciales que se aplican a pequeños empleadores, incluyendo:

  • Requisitos de salario y horas trabajadas

  • Obligaciones de registros y avisos obligatorios

  • Leyes sobre licencias pagadas y descansos

  • Consejos para evitar problemas comunes de cumplimiento

Diseñado para dueños de pequeñas empresas, gerentes y personal de recursos humanos, esta sesión le ayudará a establecer una base sólida y conforme a la ley para su lugar de trabajo.

Your job, your rights: Protections under Minnesota’s Paid Leave law 

Minnesota’s Paid Leave program began Jan. 1, 2026, and with it comes strong job protections for workers who take leave. This webinar will focus on what employers must do and what workers should expect when it comes to job security and retaliation protections under the law. 

We’ll cover: 

  • What job protections are guaranteed during Paid Leave 

  • What retaliation looks like — and what’s prohibited 

  • Employer responsibilities during an employee’s leave 

  • How to file a complaint if your rights are violated 

  • Penalties for noncompliance 

Whether you're a worker planning to take leave or an employer preparing to support your team, this session will help you understand how to stay protected and compliant.

  • June 17, from 2-3 p.m. Check back later for registration details.

Working hard this summer? Know your rights on overtime and gratuities and general information about wage theft

Learn what Minnesota workers need to know about overtime pay, gratuities and wage theft. This session will cover key protections, common violations and how to take action if your rights are being denied.

  • July 8, from 11 a.m. to noon. Check back later for registration details.

Labor law updates 2026: What employers and workers need to know 

Stay informed on key changes to Minnesota labor laws taking effect in 2026. This session will highlight updates impacting wages, workplace protections and employer responsibilities, with practical guidance for both workers and businesses. 

  • July 29, from 2-3 p.m. Check back later for registration details.

Supporting lactating parents at work: Know your rights to express milk 

Description: In recognition of Breastfeeding Awareness Month, this webinar will cover Minnesota laws that protect the rights of nursing parents to express milk at work. Learn about employer responsibilities, employee protections and best practices for creating supportive workplace environments.

  • Aug. 4, from 10-11 a.m. Check back later for registration details.

Working while learning: What to know about youth employment during the school year 

This webinar will provide an overview of Minnesota’s child labor laws as they apply during the school year. Learn about age restrictions, permitted work hours, job types and employer responsibilities. Whether you're a young worker, a parent or a business, this session will help you understand how to stay compliant and protect youth in the workplace.

  • Aug. 13, from 2-3 p.m. Check back later for registration details.

Past webinars

Alternative dates, interpretation services

If the dates and times for these webinars do not fit your schedule, email David Skovholt at david.skovholt@state.mn.us to schedule a personalized webinar for you or your business.

Interpretation services, including sign language, for these sessions can be provided at no cost to you when you request them ahead of time. Contact David Skovholt at david.skovholt@state.mn.us or 651-470-5566 to request interpretation services.