On Jan. 19, 2017, Hennepin County District Judge Dickstein issued an order denying a broad injunction of the recently-enacted Minneapolis Sick Leave and Safe Time Ordinance (Ordinance 2016-040, covered in the Nov. 1, 2016, and June 14, 2016, editions of Compliance Corner). The district court found that the city had authority to enact the ordinance, but granted a temporary injunction preventing its application to employers that are not located in the City of Minneapolis. The district court intends to hold a final hearing in this case prior to the July 1, 2017, effective date of the ordinance.
So, the ordinance is still currently scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2017. City officials are trying to determine the scope of the ruling and clarify the ordinance’s application. Employers in the City of Minneapolis and with employees in Minneapolis, should plan for implementation of the ordinance on July 1, 2017.
It is important to note that the ordinance has somewhat of a delayed enforcement provision, which provides that during the first year and for first violations, employers will not face penalties for failing to adhere to the ordinance, but they will be issued warnings and notices. Subsequent violations may lead to penalties.
After the district court’s ruling many questions remain and we will report on any further developments in Compliance Corner. Minneapolis employers should work closely with outside counsel in developing their leave policies to appropriately implement the ordinance requirements.
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce et al. v. City of Minneapolis »