Thousands of minimum wage workers in the Twin Cities won wage increases of up to $15 an hour on Friday.
In Minneapolis, large companies with more than 100 workers must raise hourly wages to at least $15. Workers in small businesses with less than 100 employees will get a pay raise of up to $13.50.
In 2017, Minneapolis became the first city in the Midwest to pass an ordinance raising the minimum hourly wage in increments to $15. St. Paul followed suit the following year, adopting a phased policy that will require all employers to pay $15 an hour by July 2027.
Currently, large businesses in St. Paul must raise their minimum wage to $13.50 an hour. Small businesses must pay $12, while businesses with fewer than five employees must increase hourly rates to $10.75.
What if I didn’t get the raise?
Both cities have investigative units tasked with making sure employers follow minimum wage ordinances.
The Minneapolis Civil Rights Department enforces complaints and has the power to levy fines to achieve compliance. Workers can report violations online on the Minneapolis website or call 311 for information or services.
The City of St. Paul’s Department of Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity handles wage issues. Call 651-266-8966 or email [email protected] to report violations.
Are there any exemptions?
Tips and gratuities do not count toward payroll in Minneapolis. Under St. Paul’s Ordinance, tips and employer payments for medical benefits are not considered wages.
About undocumented workers
In both cities, workers are protected by minimum wage ordinances regardless of their immigration status. Those who file a violation will not be questioned about their immigration status. Actions by employers who report the immigration status of these employees to a government agency would be considered retaliation and a violation of the law.
Does it affect everyone?
Many retail and restaurant workers in Minnesota are already earning more than $15 an hour as labor shortages persist.
The average salary for restaurant and bar workers in Minnesota was $17.18 in April, up 12% from last year, according to the Minnesota Department of Jobs and Economic Development. The average salary for retail workers was $18.84, an increase of 3%.
The state agency recently noted that Minnesota has more than twice as many job openings as unemployed.
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