The City of Minneapolis has achieved a significant victory for local workers, recovering over $2 million in unpaid wages and damages. This milestone, as reported on the City's official website, comes as a result of the persistent efforts by the Civil Rights Department's Labor Standards Enforcement Division (LSED) to investigate and enforce workplace protections such as paid sick leave, minimum wage, and safeguards against wage theft.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey underscored the impact of such exploitation, stating that it harms not just workers but the entire community. Michelle Phillips, the director of the Civil Rights Department, echoed this sentiment, affirming the department's commitment to upholding workers' rights. Since 2018, the department has processed over 1,000 labor standards complaints, which involved more than 16,000 workers and resulted in 382 mediations or settlements.
Among the notable cases was a grocery store, Amigos One Stop, which denied overtime pay to employees. The City's probe confirmed these workers often clocked in beyond 40 hours per week. Following the investigation, the employer agreed to pay more than $43,000 in back wages. Similarly, two companies, Unparalleled Parking LLC and Unparalleled Security LLC, settled for over $145,000 in back wages and damages owed to nearly 180 workers after the City uncovered violations of the sick and safe time ordinance.
A further case involved Plymouth Academy preschool, where an investigation revealed workers receiving subminimum wages. The agreement with the preschool resulted in more than $22,000 in back wages for seven workers. Labor Standards Enforcement Division Director Brian Walsh stressed the importance of backing good jobs that contribute to wealth and economic inclusion. Patricio Cambias, an organizer with Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en la Lucha, emphasized that "Every dollar of stolen wages is a dollar less that workers have to cover rent, food, diapers, and other basic necessities."
In addition to setting a higher minimum wage now at $15.97, Minneapolis continues to enforce labor rights that promote economic stability while reducing disparities. For anyone facing labor issues, help is available by calling 311, filling out an online form, or visiting City Hall room 239.
