Employment termination

Workers and employers have rights when an employee is fired from their job and the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) can help workers and employers understand these rights and legal requirements under the law.

Is an employer required to give a reason for termination?

An employer in Minnesota must give a truthful reason why an employee was terminated if it is requested in writing by the employee. The employee's written request must be made within 15 working days of termination. The employer has 10 working days from receipt of the request to give a truthful reason in writing for the termination. (See Minnesota Statutes 181.933.)

Does an employer have to pay final wages?

If an employee is terminated, discharged or fired from their job, all wages and commissions owed to the employee at that time are due within 24 hours of a written demand for payment. This includes hourly wages, salaries, commissions, tips and paycheck deductions for expenses that need to be returned when an employee leaves their job.

Where can I find more information?

To learn more about Minnesota employment termination laws, visit DLI's employment termination page at dli.mn.gov/business/employment-practices/employment-termination.

DLI is hiring

DLI's Labor Standards unit is seeking applications for two full-time intake staff members.

For more information about these positions and how to apply, visit the state of Minnesota's Careers website at mn.gov/mmb/careers/search-for-jobs.