-
1 week ago | 
mondaq.com | Bruce Douglas |Colin H. Hargreaves |Zachary Zagger
Quick HitsThe U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota ruled infavor of a natural gas distribution company that discharged anemployee who failed a random drug test. The court found that federal laws, including the Natural GasPipeline Safety Act, the Hazardous Liquids Pipeline Safety Act, andDOT drug and alcohol testing regulations preempted DATWA'semployment protections regarding drug testing.
-
2 weeks ago | 
ogletree.com | Bruce Douglas |Colin H. Hargreaves |Zachary Zagger
Quick HitsThe U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota ruled in favor of a natural gas distribution company that discharged an employee who failed a random drug test. The court found that federal laws, including the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act, the Hazardous Liquids Pipeline Safety Act, and DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations preempted DATWA’s employment protections regarding drug testing.
-
2 months ago | 
jdsupra.com | Bruce Douglas |Maria B. Shatonova |Zachary Zagger
On April 2, 2025, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that a truck driver who lost his job after testing positive for marijuana may pursue claims for lost wages under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) against the sellers of an allegedly fraudulently marketed pain relief product.
-
2 months ago | 
ogletree.com | Bruce Douglas |Maria B. Shatonova |Zachary Zagger
Quick HitsThe Supreme Court allowed a truck driver to pursue civil RICO claims for lost wages after he failed an employer drug test after ingesting an allegedly falsely marketed pain relief product. The Court ruled that a plaintiff may pursue treble damages under RICO for lost business or property that followed a personal injury. The decision raises questions about the scope of RICO, particularly whether lost wages and economic harms related to personal injuries can be considered recoverable.
-
Oct 2, 2024 | 
natlawreview.com | Bruce Douglas
With Election Day approaching, here is a timely reminder for employers in Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota regarding their obligations under these states’ laws to excuse employees from work to go to the polls. With many voters opting to vote early or by mail, the number of voters going to the polls in person on Election Day may be smaller than in the past, but here are the points employers need to know regarding the rules for voting in person on Election Day.
-
Jun 8, 2024 | 
natlawreview.com | Bruce Douglas
May 20, 2024, marked the end of the legislative session for yet another historic and busy year for Minnesota’s legislature. Amidst endless shouting, a sprawling 1,400-plus-page omnibus bill, and ethical complaints, the aftermath of the legislative session’s chaotic end left Minnesotans in a frenzy, deciphering which specific bills passed.
-
Mar 27, 2024 | 
natlawreview.com | Bruce Douglas
The Minnesota Legislature is back in session and actively addressing employment law legislation in several pending bills following a very busy 2023–2024 session last year. The legislature kicked off its 2024 regular session with a slew of employment-related bills presenting both opportunities and challenges for employers. Here is a preview of several key bills to follow in the coming weeks.
-
Nov 20, 2023 | 
mondaq.com | Bruce Douglas |Samantha Bragg |Colin H. Hargreaves
MNDOLI published both the fact sheet and video overview in various
languages. This article highlights some key guidance found in
MNDOLI's newly published FAQs about the ESST law. The FAQs also cover other topics not
addressed in this article.
Only time worked in Minnesota will require accrual of sick and
safe time.
ESST hours accrue only during hours worked. The law does not
require ESST hours to accrue when an employee is not working (e.g.,
while using ESST hours).
-
Nov 14, 2023 | 
natlawreview.com | Bruce Douglas
Looking ahead to January 1, 2024, when Minnesota’s statewide paid Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) law takes effect, the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (MNDOLI) issued guidance in the form of answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs), a fact sheet, and a video overview of the law to aid employers. MNDOLI published both the fact sheet and video overview in various languages. This article highlights some key guidance found in MNDOLI’s newly published FAQs about the ESST law.
-
Oct 26, 2023 | 
jdsupra.com | Bruce Douglas |Colin H. Hargreaves
Minnesota recently enacted a statewide paid sick and safe time leave law that will become effective on January 1, 2024. Four Minnesota cities—Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, and Bloomington (one of the largest metropolitan-area suburbs)—already had such laws in effect since as early as 2017. Most of these ordinances are similar in their key provisions for the accrual and use of earned sick and safe time (ESST).
