Minnesota cities have to keep up with changing commerce that can decimate a real estate market, urban growth and property values. Downtown St. Paul, for example, once had eight department stores and lost the last remaining Macy's Department Store in early 2013. Following Macy's closing, there were plans to develop the site as a giant parking ramp with office space for the Minnesota Sex Offender Treatment Program.
Internship rules may change for business
Minnesota businesses may consider using interns to perform business tasks as these workers obtain experience, knowledge and even educational credits. While considered a low-cost alternative to hiring wage workers, these arrangement may lead to business disputes. The federal Fair Labor Standards Act, along with state laws, govern whether a worker is an employee entitled to FLSA wage protections or may be considered an unpaid intern.
Employee relationships constantly evolving
The legal status of workers in Minnesota and throughout the United States is evolving, and long-standing assumptions may not always apply. Actions by the U.S. Department of Labor and the National Labor Relations Board, among others, can change requirements for wages and other important transactions between employers and employees. Failure to comply with these changes may have serious legal and financial implications.
Federal board redefines joint employer relationship
The National Labor Relations Board issued a decision that may have a tremendous impact on Minnesota's franchises, temporary agencies and business formation on Aug. 27. The NLRB refined its criteria for determining joint-employer status to reflect current economic practices.
