Division of Labor Standards Enforcement and Education

The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement and Education of Human Rights & Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO) focuses solely on compliance with the City of Saint Paul’s Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) and Minimum Wage Ordinances. The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement and Education is here to ensure workers and business owners are aware of their rights and responsibilities established by these ordinances. The division is responsible for administering the ESST and Minimum Wage Ordinances, conducting community outreach and engagement, and resolving complaints. 

We are available 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. We can be reached at (651)266-8966 or by email at LaborStandards@ci.stpaul.mn.us.  Assistance and accommodations, including language assistance, are available upon request for all City of Saint Paul services.

Earned Sick and Safe Time

The Earned Sick and Safe Time ​Ordinance creates access to paid time off of work for employees working in Saint Paul. 

Learn more about Earned Sick and Safe Time 

ESST Administrative Rules Update

The City of Saint Paul amended the city Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) Ordinance to better align with the State of Minnesota's ESST law. The amendments to the City ESST Ordinance are now in effect as of January 1, 2024. 

ESST Ordinance Amended on October 18, 2023 

HREEO has updated the Administrative Rules to align with the amended Ordinance and the final rules are published as of January 8, 2024. 

Below is a summary of changes in the ordinance. 

  1. Definition of family

  2. Employees begin accruing ESST on their start date and may use ESST after they have worked 80 hours

  3. Documentation of need to use ESST 

  4. Rehire period 

  5. Enforcement and complaint timelines 

  6. Financial remedies - back pay

  7. Financial remedies - civil penalties 

Final ESST Rules - January 8, 2024  

*The Final ESST Rules were re-uploaded on January 11, 2024, with minor formatting changes but no substantive changes. 

Minimum Wage Ordinance

The Minimum Wage Ordinance sets a local hourly minimum wage standard for work ​performed in the city. 

Learn more about Minimum Wage 

How do I File a Complaint?

Individuals that believe they have been denied their ESST or Minimum Wage rights are encouraged to contact the division and file a complaint. Please note that language assistance and other accommodations are available to assist residents in filing complaints. 

Complaint Form

Employer and Organization Information

Employers and organizations are encouraged to contact the division to review relevant policies or for technical assistance. 

The Earned Sick & Safe Time and Minimum Wage Ordinances require that employers display a poster to advise employees of their rights. The poster must be displayed in a conspicuous place accessible to employees, in English and in any other languages needed. 

ESST & Minimum Wage Poster - English

ESST & Minimum Wage Poster - Hmong 

ESST & Minimum Wage Poster - Spanish 

ESST & Minimum Wage Poster - Somali 

ESST & Minimum Wage Poster - Karen 

Labor Standards Advisory Committee

The Labor Standards Advisory Committee (LSAC) is tasked with advising and supporting the Labor Standards Enforcement and Education Division. The LSAC is one of the city boards and commissions that provide policy recommendations to the City of Saint Paul. Applications are being accepted for the LSAC. Click apply to complete an application to serve on the LSAC. 

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

ESST Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Labor Standards Education and Enforcement Division receives many questions about the Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) ordiance. The questions and answers below highlight topics and specific questions that are often asked by employees and employers of Saint Paul. Should you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to our Labor Standards Investigators at laborstandards@ci.stpaul.mn.us or 651-266-8966 .

General Earned Sick & Safe Time Questions

Who is covered by the Earned Sick & Safe Time Ordinance?

How is Earned Sick & Safe Time accrued?

Earned Sick & Safe Time Usage

Employer Notice and Documentation

ESST Pay Outs

Retaliation

Last Edited: March 27, 2024