The St. Paul Regional Labor Federation will recommend a “yes” vote on the ballot question before voters in the capital city this November regarding administrative citations.
The referendum will determine whether to amend the city charter to allow St. Paul to enforce certain ordinances by issuing civil fines, rather than getting entangled in costly, sometimes lengthy legal battles.
Unions have argued the change will allow for more timely and equitable enforcement of St. Paul’s labor standards, like minimum wage and earned sick and safe time.
The fines could also make it easier for the city to enforce its housing codes and compel owners of vacant or blighted properties to make improvements.
Currently, the only enforcement option available to city staff who identify a labor violation is to recommend criminal charges. Allowing for administrative citations would add flexibility to the process, advocates said during City Council hearings on the charter proposal earlier this year.
“It would allow the city to avoid burdening people with criminal convictions, and it would absolutely make a difference for low wage workers who are not being paid fairly in our city,” Regional Labor Federation President Kera Peterson said. “The City of St. Paul should add it to their toolkit.”
Council members voted unanimously to adopt the charter amendment in January, but opponents of the change collected the signatures necessary to put the question before voters. The referendum will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot.
Delegates to the Regional Labor Federation voted to endorse the charter amendment at their July 9 meeting. A recommendation for endorsement on the St. Paul Public Schools’ levy request could come at the next meeting, Aug. 13.
Special election in Ward 4
The federation made no endorsement in the special election to determine the Ward 4 representative on the St. Paul City Council. Mitra Jalali stepped down from the seat earlier this year.
The special election is set for Aug. 12, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Early voting at the Ramsey County election offices, located at 90 W. Plato Blvd., is open during regular business hours through Aug. 8, with special hours scheduled Aug. 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Aug. 11 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Four candidates will appear on the ballot: Chauntyll Allen, Molly Coleman, Cole Hanson and Carolyn Will.
Ward 4 includes portions of the Hamline-Midway, Merriam Park, St. Anthony Park, Mac-Groveland and Como neighborhoods.
Union Advocate 