2009 State Initiatives

Pay Equity

The Pay Equity Coalition of Minnesota, of which MBW is a member, advocates a pay equity bill similar to the legislation passed in 1982 and 1984 for state and local government employees.

Data Collection

"On condition of participating in the State of Minnesota's JOBZ or Green JOBZ tax free zone program, the participating employer shall provide to the Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development by December 1, 2009, the following information on their workforce as of August 1, 2009:

For each job title:

1. number of white male employees and number of male employees of color,
2. number of white female employees and number of female employees of color,
3. hourly pay range maximum and minimum for the title if available, or average actual hourly pay for the classification if range is not available,
4. for each title, note whether "additional compensation" such as bonuses, is ever available, and
5. for each title, note whether health insurance and/or retirement benefits are available."
   

"This information shall be classified as confidential and may not be released to the public except that the Commissioner may provide summary information with all information identifying specific employers removed."

Data Analysis

"The Pay Equity Office of Minnesota Management and Budget shall provide confidential consultation and technical assistance on request at no cost to the employer. The Pay Equity Office will also assist the Department of Employment and Economic Development in developing forms for data gathering, will provide software for data analysis, will assist in preparing a report to the legislature by March 30, 2010."

Paid Sick Days

HF0612 & SF0461
Sick leave minimum standards established.

PURPOSE.
The purpose of the Healthy Families, Healthy Workplaces Act is: (1) to ensure that all working Minnesotans can address their health needs and the health needs of their families; (2) to permit victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse to address needs directly related to the violence or abuse; and (3) to enable workers to seek early and routine medical care for themselves and their family members.

The link to the bill can be found by Clicking Here