New Wage Theft Ordinance Strengthens Worker Protections
Ordinance brings Saint Paul in alignment with state wage theft law, giving city capacity to investigate
The Saint Paul City Council passed a wage theft ordinance in Saint Paul that aligns with Minnesota’s wage theft law to streamline enforcement and prevent the creation of conflicting standards. The passing of a wage theft ordinance in the City will add another level of enforcement to hold employers accountable and get faster resolution for employees.
What is Wage Theft?
Wage theft occurs any time employers fail to pay employees what they are legally owed, such as paying below minimum wage, not paying overtime, requiring work without pay, denying legal breaks, misclassification, withholding tips, non-payment of fringe benefits, and illegal deductions.
Wage theft is illegal in Saint Paul. If your worksite is located within the geographic boundaries of Saint Paul and you have questions regarding wage theft, or if you believe that wage theft has occurred, please File a Labor Standards Complaint or contact HREEO’s Labor Standards Division at 651-266-8966 or via email at LaborStandards@stpaul.gov.
Who is covered by the ordinance?
The ordinance applies to all employees, full-time, part-time, and temporary, who work at least 2 hours during a week within the geographic boundaries of Saint Paul.
The ordinance does not cover independent contractors.
Immigration status does not impact coverage of the Wage Theft ordinance. The City's HREEO department enforces the Wage Theft ordinance and does not ask for an employee’s immigration status when an employee reaches out with questions or files a complaint.
Wage Theft Timeline
November 06, 2024
City Council votes to pass Wage Theft ordinance, effective January 1, 2025.
November 15, 2024
HREEO publishes draft of Proposed Rules and opens the 90-day public comment period.
January 1, 2025,
Wage Theft Ordinance takes effect.
February 13, 2025
Closure of public comment period.
February 14, 2025
Final Rules published online.
