SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Yesterday, the Minnesota House passed the Jobs Budget, including House File 1859, authored by Rep. Sandra Feist (DFL – New Brighton). This bill provides recourse to workers subjected to wage theft. Under this new law, contractors engaging in the subcontracting of labor or construction projects will be liable for the unpaid wages of the subcontractors performing work under their control.
“Protecting Minnesota workers is at the heart of our Jobs Budget bill,” said Rep. Feist. “I'm proud that this provision to protect construction workers from wage theft is included. During committee hearings, we heard distressing stories of wage theft that brought home how uniquely vulnerable the construction industry is to this business model. The new bill empowers workers to file civil lawsuits against general contractors for their unpaid wages and creates mechanisms for general contractors to verify wages have been properly paid. I’m proud the House voted ‘yes’ to continue our state’s long history of labor protections.”
The Senate has passed its Jobs Budget bill. Governor Walz has said he will support the bill.
Video of the House floor debate can be viewed here.
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