SF 5038

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/19/2024 09:12am

A bill for an act
relating to education; establishing Workplace Readiness Week; proposing coding
for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 124D.

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

Section 1.

new text begin [124D.506] WORKPLACE READINESS WEEK.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment; topics of discussion. new text end

new text begin The week of each year that includes
April 28 must be known as "Workplace Readiness Week." A public high school, to the
extent practicable, must annually observe that week by providing information to students
on their rights as workers. The topics covered may include but are not limited to the
following:
new text end

new text begin (1) local, state, and federal laws about the following issues:
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new text begin (i) prohibitions against misclassification of employees as independent contractors;
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new text begin (ii) child labor;
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new text begin (iii) wage and hour protections;
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new text begin (iv) worker safety;
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new text begin (v) workers' compensation;
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new text begin (vi) unemployment insurance;
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new text begin (vii) earned sick and safe time;
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new text begin (viii) paid family and medical leave;
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new text begin (ix) the right to organize a union in the workplace; and
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new text begin (x) prohibitions against retaliation by employers when workers exercise these or any
other rights guaranteed by law;
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new text begin (2) the labor movement's role in winning the protections and benefits described in clause
(1); and
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new text begin (3) an introduction to registered apprenticeship programs approved under chapter 178,
how to access the programs, the variety of programs available, and how the programs can
provide an alternative career path for those who do not attend college.
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new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Observed; flexibility. new text end

new text begin The Workplace Readiness Week observances must be
integrated into the regular school program, consistent with the social studies academic
standards, but may also include special events after regular school hours. This integration
is encouraged, but not required, to occur during Workplace Readiness Week.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Department of Education. new text end

new text begin At the beginning of each school year, beginning
with the 2024-2025 school year, the commissioner of education must annually send a written
notice detailing the requirements of Workplace Readiness Week and how teachers may
access related materials and other resources to every public high school, including charter
schools.
new text end