Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has announced a settlement with Conagra Brands, Inc. The agreement addresses the company's failure to provide essential employment information to seasonal workers at its Waseca processing facility and its lack of compliance in record retention.
According to the Assurance of Discontinuance filed in Ramsey County, Conagra Brands will now ensure that seasonal employees receive employment statements that align with Minnesota Statutes section 181.86. The company will also pay $142,000 in restitution for past non-compliance, which the Attorney General's office will distribute to affected workers.
The statute mandates that employers must provide an employment statement to those traveling over 100 miles from another state for seasonal agricultural work in Minnesota. This statement should include details such as job type, start date, arrival time at the worksite, compensation, and housing availability. This information is crucial for workers before they commit to traveling long distances for employment.
Attorney General Ellison stated, “Under Minnesota law, workers must be told how much they will be paid, what work they will be doing, and whether housing is provided before they agree to travel hundreds of miles to take a job in Minnesota.” He expressed satisfaction with Conagra's revised practices and securing restitution for employees.
Individuals with concerns about wage law violations can reach out to the Attorney General’s Office through their online complaint form or by phone.