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Earned sick and safe time (ESST) outreach grant

In May 2024, ESST grant funding was awarded to the following organizations:

Doctor using a stethoscope on a baby

  • Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en la Lucha:  $100,000

  • Comunidades Organizando el Poder y la Accion Latina COPAL Education Fund:  $99,972

  • Greater Minnesota Worker Center:  $98,700

Objective 

This grant funding is to increase worker knowledge and understanding of Minnesota’s new earned sick and safe time law through outreach, education and technical assistance.

Minnesota workers have a variety of workplace protections to ensure they are treated fairly and compensated appropriately for their work in Minnesota. As a result of the 2023 legislative session and the law that took effect Jan. 1, 2024, Minnesota workers have even greater protections in the workplace. However, certain barriers, including those related to education, income, immigration status, geographic isolation and language access, can impact workers’ awareness of their rights and access to services that can help. This grant aims to empower workers, especially those who encounter barriers, by teaching them about their workplace rights and the options available to them when their rights are violated.

This grant program seeks to reach Minnesota workers, especially those who experience barriers that reduce access to legal rights information and remedies available, to educate them about the new earned sick and safe time law through methods that are community-centered, culturally-relevant and accessible.

Grant timeline

The application period for the grant has closed.

​Questions?

Contact Dave Skovholt at 651-470-5566 or david.skovholt@state.mn.us with questions or for technical assistance.

Past awards

View recipients of previous ESST outreach grants.

Other information

Minnesota's ESST law

Effective Jan. 1, 2024, Minnesota’s ESST law requires employers to provide paid leave to employees who work in the state. Sick and safe time can be used for various reasons, including when an employee is sick, to care for a sick family member or to seek assistance if an employee or their family member has experienced domestic abuse, stalking, or sexual assault. An employee earns one hour of sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked and can earn a maximum of 48 hours each year unless the employer agrees to a higher amount.