Minnesota Medical Staff Company Ordered to Pay $336K in Back Wages

A Minnesota medical staffing company will pay $336,000 in back wages to nearly 1,000 employees after an investigation found the company charged its workers fees for missed or cancelled shifts.

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has entered into a consent order with GrapeTree Medical Staffing LLC, which 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.

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.

Source: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry