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.
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.
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.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
