A young woman wearing a white apron, purple headband and disposable blue gloves scores loaves of bread before placing them in a commercial oven at a bakery.
A young woman wearing a white apron, purple headband and disposable blue gloves scores loaves of bread before placing them in a commercial oven at a bakery.

The Labor Standards Division oversees the City of Saint Paul's Minimum Wage and Earned Sick and Safe Time ordinances. The division is a resource for workers and businesses in Saint Paul to provide education on requirements and investigate complaints. 

Minimum Wage Increases July 1, 2024

Business size matters! Starting July 1, 2024, minimum wage rates increase. Saint Paul employers must count all employees -- full-time, part-time, hired jointly with another employer, or temporary -- including remote employees.

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Labor Standards Complaint Process

The Labor Standards Division enforces the City’s Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) and Minimum Wage ordinances and investigates potential violations. The division is committed to working closely with Saint Paul employers and employees to educate them on labor standards requirements and fairly resolve complaints. 

Throughout the investigation, a labor standards investigator will work closely with the employer and complainant to ensure they understand the process and expectations.

Questions about the ordinances? Find more information about ESST and Minimum Wage or contact the Labor Standards Division. 

1

How to Start an Investigation

The Labor Standards Division may start an investigation independently or after evaluating a complaint. The City does not disclose the name of complainants unless required by the investigation. If required, the City will ask the complainant's permission before naming them. 

Complaint Form

Employees who work in the City of Saint Paul can file a complaint if they believe their employer isn’t complying with the City’s minimum wage or ESST ordinance. Concerned third parties can also file a complaint. Complaints can be filed online, in-person, by email or phone.

Intake Conversation

After receiving a complaint, a labor standards investigator will reach out to the person who submitted it to have an in-depth intake conversation. This can happen over the phone or in-person. It usually lasts one to two hours.

Notice of Investigation

The Division will mail a Notice of Investigation to the employer after opening an investigation. Employers must respond within 30 days. Employers must also post the Notice of Investigation somewhere visible and accessible to all employees.  

2

What to Expect During an Investigation

Employer: One of the City's labor standards investigators may ask to interview employees, review additional documents, or meet with leadership. Employers must respond to document requests in a timely manner.  

Complainant: If it becomes necessary during the investigation to reveal the name of the complainant, the investigator will reach out to that person to get permission before sharing their name. 

3

What Happens If There's a Violation

If the investigator finds a violation, they will send the employer a Notice of Violation with the decision and proposed settlement. The employer has the choice to:

  1. Accept the violation and settlement. Employer will pay any proposed wages, fines, and corrections within 15 days of the notice of violation and send verification to the City. 
  2. Accept the violation but appeal the settlement. Employers can request a hearing before the City Council to appeal the proposed settlement. Employers have 15 days from the notice of violation to request a hearing.  
  3. Appeal the violation. Employers can appeal the violation by requesting a hearing examiner. Employers have 15 days from the notice of violation to make this request. Both the City and employer can present evidence during the hearing. Employers can only present records already provided to the City during the investigation. The hearing examiner will submit their recommendation to the City Council for a final decision.  
     

Poster to Display in the Workplace

The Earned Sick and Same Time (ESST) and Minimum Wage ordinances require that employers give employees notice about their rights. The Department offers this poster to employers to meet this requirement. Employers must display the poster in English and any other languages as needed. Please contact the Department if you need the poster translated into another language. 

Join the Labor Standards Advisory Committee

The Labor Standards Advisory Committee (LSAC) advises and supports our Labor Standards Enforcement and Education Division. LSAC balances the interests of businesses and employees in the City of Saint Paul to support the business community and promote a just and safe work environment. Typical duties include:

  • Advise and support the Labor Standards division in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and rules related to Minimum Wage and ESST.
  • Assess division policies and initiatives on an ongoing basis to provide feedback on success and opportunities for improvement.
  • Recommend actions the Labor Standards Division can take to improve community outreach and education efforts.
    Explore and recommend opportunities and resources to help small businesses reduce costs, increase revenue, and make it easier for businesses to operate within the City of Saint Paul.
  • Assist the Labor Standards Division with establishing and strengthening community partnerships.
  • Engage business owners, workers, and community stakeholders on current and future labor standards practices, industry-specific working conditions, and worker safety.

LSAC meetings are scheduled to occur in person on the second Thursday of every month. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Initial terms are two to three years. All other terms are two years, with a three-term limit.

All are welcome to apply. Language assistance and accommodations are available by request. To request an accommodation, please contact us at LaborStandards@ci.stpaul.mn.us or call 651-266-8966. 

Apply to Join the Labor Standards Advisory Committee

Last Edited: June 13, 2024