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.

Ensuring Fair Work

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

Saint Paul’s Wage Theft ordinance takes effect January 1

The City of Saint Paul’s wage theft ordinance takes effect January 1, 2025. Wage theft happens when employers do not pay employees wages they earned. The ordinance holds employers accountable and brings faster resolution to employees. 
Click to learn more or file a complaint

City of Saint Paul Minimum Wage Increases January 1

Effective January 1, 2025, the Minimum Wage hourly rate in Saint Paul for Macro and Large businesses increases to $15.97/hour while the remaining minimum wage rates stay the same until July 1, 2025. On July 1, 2025, the Small businesses rate increases to $15.00/hour and Micro businesses rate increases to $13.25/hour.

Click to learn more about minimum wage

How to File a Labor Standards Complaint

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.

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.

For questions on the complaint process visit the Labor Standards Complaint Process page.

There are several ways to file a complaint:

1

Electronic Complaint Form

Individuals can file an electronic complaint to the Labor Standards team.

2

Complaint via Phone Call

Individuals can receive assistance from a Labor Standards Investigator via phone call.

Phone: 651-266-8966

HREEO’s office is open Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. 

Reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and assistance, including language assistance, are available upon request. 

3

Email the Complaint Form

Individuals can complete the Complaint Form linked below and email the completed form to the Labor Standards team. 

Labor Standards Complaint Form - English  Labor Standards Complaint Form - Hmong

Labor Standards Complaint Form - Karen Labor Standards Complaint Form - Spanish

Labor Standards Complaint Form - Somali

Complaint forms can be emailed to: LaborStandards@stpaul.gov  

4

In-Person Complaint

Individuals can receive assistance from a Labor Standards Investigator at the HREEO office in Saint Paul City Hall.

St. Paul City Hall
Department of Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO) 
15 W Kellogg Blvd.
Office 280
Saint Paul, MN 55102

HREEO’s office is open Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. Call us to schedule an appointment.

Walk-ins are welcome Monday- Thursday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and assistance, including language assistance, are available upon request. 

Poster to Display in the Workplace

The Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST), Minimum Wage, and Wage Theft 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: March 24, 2025