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This article was submitted on behalf of several leaders of business and trade organizations. Their names are listed below.
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In Minneapolis, we have all seen firsthand the powerful impact of collaboration between employees and employers. The city thrives on the mutual respect and shared goals that drive our local economy forward. It’s been proven time and again that we can work together to create a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous community. However, a new City Council proposal for the creation of a Labor Standards Board may be fast-tracked for approval, potentially disrupting this balance.
The proposed Labor Standards Board seeks to impose new regulations and standards on businesses across the city that could regulate everything from benefits and working hours to worker training. While the intention behind this proposal may be to protect workers, it fails to recognize the strong partnerships that already exist between employers and their employees. Minneapolis workplaces do not need an advisory board to mediate their relationships or dictate the terms of their operations. Instead, we need to maintain the autonomy that lets employers customize their hiring, benefits and workplace culture to address the unique opportunities and challenges of each organization.
In June, Minneapolis hotels set a monthly record for guest room revenue for the first time since 2018, due to major events like the U.S. Olympic gymnastics trials. This surge provided a much-needed boost to the economy, aiding long-time businesses and communities in their efforts to rebuild the vibrancy of downtown and create opportunities for events and visitors to enjoy the city where we work and play.
Minneapolis’ success is built on the ground-up relationships within our community, not top-down mandates. Every day, employers and employees come together to ensure that Minneapolis remains a dynamic place to live, work and visit. This collaborative spirit is the cornerstone of economic vitality and should not be undermined by unnecessary bureaucratic layers. Decisions about businesses’ futures are best made by those directly involved — the people who understand their own needs and challenges.