Preserving the right of private employers to develop wage and benefit packages that fit the distinct needs of companies and employees

Minnesota businesses don’t have the luxury of considering labor policies and state tax and spending decisions separately, in a vacuum. A “do no harm” approach was important this session to prevent additional cost burdens and mandates on employers doing their best to keep their doors open and people employed.

Again in the 2021 session, the Minnesota House advanced numerous paid leave mandates and workplace burdens on employers and sought to remove existing employer flexibilities and small business exemptions. Overreaching “one size fits all” state mandates disrupt the positive relationship between most employers and employees, unnecessarily inhibit creative workplace solutions, and interfere in the operations of workplaces that are already heavily regulated. We oppose these attempts because of the variety and nuances of the many workplaces across Minnesota. These bills were incorporated into the House Jobs Omnibus Bill (HF 1342) and the combined effects of these ideas would greatly impede Minnesota’s business competitiveness and recovery.