1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to labor relations; establishing certain
1.3 	rights for workers in the meatpacking industry;
1.4 	proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes,
1.5 	chapter 179.
1.6 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.7 	Section 1. [179.86] PACKINGHOUSE WORKERS BILL OF RIGHTS.
1.8 		Subdivision 1.Definition. For the purpose of this
1.9 	section, "employer" means an employer in the meatpacking
1.10 	industry.
1.11 		Subd. 2.Right to adequate facilities. An employer must
1.12 	provide its employees:
1.13 	(1) adequate and working restroom facilities;
1.14 	(2) adequate room for meal and rest breaks;
1.15 	(3) adequate locker facilities; and 
1.16 	(4) adequate time for necessary restroom breaks.
1.17 		Subd. 3.Right to adequate equipment. An employer must
1.18 	furnish its employees with equipment that is adequate to perform
1.19 	the job task assigned.
1.20 		Subd. 4.Information provided to employee by
1.21 	employer. (a) An employer must provide an explanation in an
1.22 	employee's native language of the employee's rights and duties
1.23 	as an employee either person to person or through written
1.24 	materials that at a minimum include:
1.25 	(1) a complete description of the salary and benefits plans
2.1 	as they relate to the employee;
2.2 	(2) a job description for the employee's position;
2.3 	(3) a description of leave policies;
2.4 	(4) a description of the work hours and work hours policy;
2.5 	and 
2.6 	(5) a description of the occupational hazards known to
2.7 	exist for the position.
2.8 	(b) The explanation must also include information on the
2.9 	following employee rights as protected by state or federal law
2.10 	and a description of where additional information about those
2.11 	rights may be obtained:
2.12 	(1) the right to organize and bargain collectively;
2.13 	(2) the right to a safe workplace; and 
2.14 	(3) the right to be free from discrimination.