Labor Day month is a great time to recognize the importance of knowing and protecting workplace rights. Workplace Rights Week, Sept. 13-19, 2026, is an opportunity for workers and employers across Minnesota to learn more about workplace rights and responsibilities.

Throughout Workplace Rights Week, the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) will offer a variety of educational opportunities, including webinars and events about workplace topics. Staff members from DLI's Labor Standards Division will also visit workplaces throughout the state to share information about employer responsibilities and worker rights. 

Register for our webinars and find more information at dli.mn.gov/rights-week.

Minnesota nursing home workers

As of Sept. 10, 2026, the minimum wages for certain nursing home workers will be:

• for nursing home workers (general),  $19.00 an hour;
• for certified nursing assistants, $22.50 an hour;
• for trained medication aides, $23.50 an hour; and
• for licensed practical nurses, $27.00 an hour.

For more information, visit the minimum-wage and holiday pay rules for nursing homes webpage.

Transportation network company minimum compensation adjustment

Minnesota law requires annual inflation adjustments to transportation network company (TNC) minimum compensation rates beginning Jan. 1, 2027, and every Jan. 1 thereafter. As a result, TNC minimum compensation rates will increase Jan. 1, 2027:

• minimum per‑mile compensation increases from $1.28 to $1.33;
• minimum per‑minute compensation increases from $0.31 to $0.32;
• minimum per-mile wheelchair securement device compensation increases from $0.91 to $0.95; and
• minimum per‑ride compensation increases from $5.00 to $5.20.

Learn more at dli.mn.gov/tnc.

Can teens work during school hours?

As students return to school, those employing young workers should remember that federal and Minnesota child labor laws limit when minors may work during the school year.

Teens working during school hours or later at night than allowed by law are common complaints state investigators receive each year. Employers must follow whichever applicable state or federal requirements are more protective of the worker.

Learn more about Minnesota child labor restrictions at dli.mn.gov/child-labor and federal child labor restrictions at dol.gov/agencies/whd/youthrules.

Attend our next webinar about child labor laws, "Working while learning:  What to know about youth employment during the school year," on Sept. 10, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Register for the webinar.

School conference and activities leave

Employees in Minnesota are entitled to up to 16 hours of unpaid leave each year for each child to attend their child's school conferences or school-related activities that cannot be scheduled during nonwork hours. Employees may choose but cannot be required to use available vacation or other paid time off time for this purpose.

For more information, read our school conference and activities leave fact sheet.

Recognizing food service workers Sept. 25

On Sept. 25, National Food Service Worker Day, we recognize the hardworking people in Minnesota who help keep restaurants, cafeterias, schools, hospitals, hotels and other food service operations running every day.

Food service workers play an important role in our communities and Minnesota's economy. One way to support this workforce is to understand and elevate workplace rights and responsibilities in the food service industry. Learn more about workplace rights and responsibilities for those in the restaurant and food service industry at dli.mn.gov/restaurants.