SF 1078

as introduced - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to labor relations; establishing certain
rights for workers in the meatpacking industry;
proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes,
chapter 179.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

[179.86] PACKINGHOUSE WORKERS BILL OF RIGHTS.

Subdivision 1.

Definition.

For the purpose of this
section, "employer" means an employer in the meatpacking
industry.

Subd. 2.

Right to adequate facilities.

An employer must
provide its employees:

(1) adequate and working restroom facilities;

(2) adequate room for meal and rest breaks;

(3) adequate locker facilities; and

(4) adequate time for necessary restroom breaks.

Subd. 3.

Right to adequate equipment.

An employer must
furnish its employees with equipment that is adequate to perform
the job task assigned.

Subd. 4.

Information provided to employee by
employer.

(a) An employer must provide an explanation in an
employee's native language of the employee's rights and duties
as an employee either person to person or through written
materials that at a minimum include:

(1) a complete description of the salary and benefits plans
as they relate to the employee;

(2) a job description for the employee's position;

(3) a description of leave policies;

(4) a description of the work hours and work hours policy;
and

(5) a description of the occupational hazards known to
exist for the position.

(b) The explanation must also include information on the
following employee rights as protected by state or federal law
and a description of where additional information about those
rights may be obtained:

(1) the right to organize and bargain collectively;

(2) the right to a safe workplace; and

(3) the right to be free from discrimination.