Submitted by MN DLI. Key changes to Minnesota workplace laws take effect Jan. 1, 2026: Minimum wage; breaks law; paid leave.

Created to keep electrical contractors informed on the most important developments impacting your work, your business, and your future: MN Paid Family & Medical Leave; 7 Key 2026 NEC Code Changes; MN Board of Electricity takeaways. 

Join us January 28-30 at Mystic Lake for learning, collaboration, and hands-on discovery. This year introduces the Contractor Experience Zone (Jan 29)—an interactive series where attendees can test innovative solutions, explore emerging technologies, and gain valuable takeaways from five live demonstrations. Unwind at our Bourbon and Wine Tasting in a relaxed atmosphere. Supported by valued partners including Federated Insurance, AJB Sales, MRL Company, Rouzer Group, ElectroTech Inc., Grissinger Johnson, and Atek Distribution. 

Last month we asked: What was your biggest business challenge this year?

• Compliance and Regulations: 29%
• Workforce Shortages: 29%
• Economic Pressures (Inflation, Interest Rates, etc.): 18%
• Competition and Pricing Pressures: 12%
• Supply Chain and Material Costs: 12%

Source: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
Effective Jan. 1, 2026, Minnesota’s minimum-wage rate will be adjusted for inflation to $11.41 an hour for all employers in the state. The 90-day training wage for workers under age 20 will increase to $9.31. New minimum wage as of January 1, 2026.  ⋅  Update your posters.

How will contractors handle Paid Family Medical Leave for employees working in multiple states? Members sign in below to read the answer.

Members sign in below to access "Winter Driving" and our entire set of Electrical Toolbox Talks.

Source: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
Do Minnesota employees have the right to see their personnel file?

Source: Federated Insurance
We let employees telecommute from home during snowy months, but one employee claims we can’t monitor his work since he uses his personal computer. Is that true? Should we issue company laptops for remote work, even though we worry about potential loss or damage?

This month’s workforce snapshot paints an encouraging but important picture: we continue to see growth in journeyworker-level licensure, signaling that more individuals are successfully moving through apprenticeship and advancing into the field. That’s a healthy sign for employers who need skilled talent ready to step onto a jobsite.

YTD  Electrical Association has participated in 84 events and reached 16,963 potential job seekers!

The Spark Your Success scholarship is powered by Van Meter in a field related to the electrical trades up to $2000. Individuals enrolling or enrolled in a program or apprenticeship, who have completed a high school degree or GED.

It’s the time of year where we settle back and enjoy the winter and perhaps take time to read those newsletters from the many organizations we receive them from. This publication in front of you may prove to be worth the time it takes to read it because any one who’s licensed knows how important it is to follow the NEC.

When using Chapter 9, Table 8, the resistance per 1000 feet is based on dc resistance at ______.