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Minnesota

New Year brings minimum wage changes for Minnesota employers

01/02/2019
Now is the time to review labor and employment laws that will affect Minnesota employers in 2019. The minimum wage has been raised by the state of Minnesota and in the Twin Cities.

Minneapolis mayor vows to fire racist tree decorators

01/02/2019
Two unnamed police officers in Minneapolis’ 4th Precinct have been suspended and may face termination after hanging “racist” ornaments on a police station Christmas tree.

Requesting accommodation after discipline is too late

01/02/2019
Under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, disabled employees are entitled to accommodations. But timing is everything if a worker is disciplined before revealing a disability that may have contributed to work problems.

Court: ACA requires plans to cover gender reassignment

01/02/2019
A recent decision by the federal court in charge of Minnesota cases has ruled that health plans that exclude gender reassignment coverage violate the Affordable Care Act.

Advise unemployment authorities if you are still paying commissions to former employee

01/02/2019
If a former employee is collecting on your unemployment account, be sure to let the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development know, so it can adjust the benefit amount.

8th Circuit refuses to entertain sweeping expansion of religious discrimination claims

01/02/2019
The EEOC has argued that merely requesting a religiously based reasonable accommodation is protected activity and that any adverse employment action that follows may be retaliation for making the request. But the 8th Circuit declined the invitation.

Travel reimbursements could be FLSA wages

01/02/2019
Under IRS rules, employers that provide a payment for travel expenses in lieu of requiring proof that workers incurred expenses don’t have to withhold taxes or contribute to and remit Social Security taxes based on the payment. But the Fair Labor Standards Act treats such payments differently.

Boss comments on pregnancy? Tell ‘em to zip it!

01/02/2019
When an employee announces that she’s pregnant, there is only one appropriate response: Congratulations! Any further comments usher in the risk of litigation.

Affair with subordinate leads fire chief to resign

01/02/2019
The longtime fire chief of Apple Valley, Minnesota, has resigned after admitting to a sexual relationship with a junior city employee in violation of city employment rules.

Lots of great candidates? Retain all interview notes

12/20/2018
Protect against a failure-to-promote lawsuit by following a few common-sense rules. Ask every candidate the same questions, noting their responses in writing. When all interviews are done, you can make your decision.