The Department of Labor ("DOL") is the federal agency that enforces the labor laws applicable to employers and employees. The DOL enforces the Fair Labor Standards Act ("FLSA"), which set forth labor laws that are applicable nationwide. In addition to the FSLA requirements, many states enact additional laws that protect the workforce in that specific state. In addition to FLSA protections, Minnesota labor law requirements include a provision that protects "whistleblowers". In the event that a Minnesota employee reports a violation by her employer, the applicable Minnesota labor law will protect that employee from any employer retaliation. In addition to federal anti-discrimination laws, Minnesota labor law includes the Minnesota Human Rights Act ("MHRA") which seeks to protect employees from employer discrimination based on classifications such as gender, age, disability, religion and national origin. Any employment discrimination based on a prohibited classification is illegal and subject to both federal penalties as well as the sanctions defined in the MHRA.