Key deadlines are approaching for Minnesota's paid leave compliance for companies across the state.
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is giving local businesses a heads up to get ready for the new program.
This means setting up administrator accounts and, most importantly, notifying all employees about the changes by December 1st.
"Our excellent paid leave team at DEED has been working diligently to ensure that employers across the state are prepared for the new program, giving Minnesotans the opportunity to make time for the life moments that matter the most," Deed Commissioner Matt Verilek explains. "Paid leave will offer payments to workers when they are welcoming child, when they are recovering from their own serious illness, or caring for a loved one."
He says a company's failure to get on boarded by January 1st could result in penalties ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 per violation.
Varilek says right now there are three near term steps employers need to take.
"First, we want you to set up your paid leave administrator account as soon as possible," he says. "Second, notify your employers of the new program before December 1st. And then third, employers should customize paid leave for their own workplace to ensure a smooth transition into the new program."
This new benefit provides job protection and payments for workers during significant life events.