Know Your Rights: Empowering Workers to Report Labor Violations
On July 25, 2026, Greater Minnesota Worker Center hosted a Know Your Rights education session focused on helping workers understand how to report labor violations and access the protections available through Minnesota’s state agencies. The event was open to all workers in the community and provided valuable guidance on when and how to file workplace complaints.
We were honored to welcome guest presenters from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), Minnesota OSHA, and the Workers’ Compensation Division, who shared information about workers’ rights, complaint processes, and the resources available to employees facing unsafe or unlawful working conditions.
For many low-wage workers—especially immigrant workers—reporting workplace violations can feel overwhelming. Some employers rely on workers not knowing their rights or being too afraid to speak up because of fear of retaliation or job loss. This training was designed to break down those barriers by helping workers understand that they have legal protections and that state agencies exist to investigate complaints and hold employers accountable.
During the session, participants learned about the role of several agencies that protect workers’ rights:
Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) enforces many of Minnesota’s workplace laws, including minimum wage, overtime, earned sick and safe time, wage theft protections, child labor laws, and other labor standards. Workers can file complaints if they believe their employer has violated these laws.
Minnesota OSHA (MNOSHA) protects workers by enforcing workplace safety and health standards. Employees have the right to report unsafe working conditions, request inspections, and file retaliation complaints if they are punished for raising safety concerns. Complaints can be made confidentially.
Workers’ Compensation provides benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. Workers have rights to medical care, wage-loss benefits, and assistance navigating the claims process after a workplace injury.
The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) investigates discrimination in employment, housing, education, public accommodations, and public services. Workers who experience discrimination or harassment because of a protected characteristic—including race, color, national origin, religion, disability, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected classes—may file a complaint with the department.
We encourage all workers to learn about their rights and seek help when they believe those rights have been violated. The following resources provide information about filing complaints and requesting assistance:
Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry – Worker Rights and Complaints: DLI Worker Rights and Complaints
Minnesota OSHA – File a Workplace Safety Complaint: MNOSHA Complaint Process
Workers’ Compensation Information and Assistance: DLI Workers’ Compensation Help Desk
Minnesota Department of Human Rights – File a Discrimination Charge: Minnesota Department of Human Rights Complaint Process
Greater Minnesota Worker Center extends our sincere gratitude to our presenters from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Minnesota OSHA, and the Workers’ Compensation Division for sharing their expertise and helping workers better understand the protections available to them.
When workers know their rights, they are better equipped to protect themselves, support one another, and build safer, fairer workplaces. We remain committed to ensuring that every worker in Central Minnesota has access to the knowledge, resources, and support needed to stand up for dignity and justice on the job.
In solidarity,
Greater MN Worker Center
