SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today, the Minnesota House Labor and Industry Committee heard House File 1859, authored by Rep. Sandra Feist (DFL – New Brighton), to strengthen anti-wage theft efforts in Minnesota. This bill creates requirements and provides tools to ensure that general contractors take ownership of addressing wage theft on their construction projects.
“The victims of wage theft are at a disadvantage to speak up and be heard,” said Rep. Feist. “The construction industry business model is uniquely vulnerable to wage theft, so we must be uniquely proactive and combat the problem. We have seen similar laws in other states curb wage theft, and I believe Minnesotans deserve the same protection.”
North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters Director of Government Affairs Adam Duinick, Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council President Dan McConnell, Richfield City Council Member Simon Trautmann, and victims of wage theft in Minnesota all testified in support of the bill. The bill is now moving on to the House Judiciary Committee. The Senate’s companion bill is moving through its committee processes.
Video of the bill presentation can be viewed on the House Public Information’s YouTube Channel.
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