Medical staffing company pays $336,000 to nearly 1,000 employees after DLI investigation uncovers wage theft

GrapeTree Medical Staffing LLC charged its employees fees for missed or canceled shifts

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has entered into a consent order with GrapeTree Medical Staffing LLC (GrapeTree). Under the terms of the order, GrapeTree agreed to pay approximately $336,000 in back wages and liquidated damages to 997 employees for violating the Minnesota Payment of Wages Act.

GrapeTree is a medical staffing company that provides health care workers to understaffed health care facilities. DLI found GrapeTree implemented a "booking fee" system, potentially charging workers between $50 and $200 to book a shift to work. If the shift was completed, the fee was waived. If a shift was missed or canceled by the employee, the booking fee was deducted from future paychecks. Employees had to agree to the booking fee system to secure a shift.

During DLI's investigative audit period – July 12, 2020, to July 12, 2022 – GrapeTree deducted wages from the paychecks of 997 health care workers for booking fees.

"Health care staff members worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to ensure Minnesotans had access to much-needed medical attention," said DLI Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach. "No one should have to give up their hard-earned wages to secure employment, including our most essential workers."

GrapeTree operates in 13 states and has also used a booking fee system in other states. On July 6, 2023, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a settlement agreement with GrapeTree for similar violations.

Assistance available

DLI's Labor Standards Division assists workers and employers, regardless of the languages they speak. Staff members speak multiple languages and can also use free interpreter services for people with limited English proficiency. Contact Labor Standards at 651-284-5075 or dli.laborstandards@state.mn.us for assistance.