Clay County (trfnews.i234.me) – The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry has recovered more than $163,000 for agricultural workers following an investigation into R.D. Offutt Company Farms, a Moorhead-based agricultural operation that manages multiple potato farms across the region.
State officials announced that the settlement includes more than $82,000 in earned sick and safe time, also known as ESST. All recovered money will go directly to the affected workers.
Workers Denied Access to Benefits
According to the Department of Labor and Industry, investigators found that workers were unable to access their earned sick and safe time during the audit period. That audit covered the full 2024 calendar year, from January 1 to December 31.
ESST laws require employers to provide paid leave for illness, medical needs, or safety-related situations. Officials say the company failed to ensure eligible workers could use these benefits.
Penalties for Incomplete Employment Information
R.D. Offutt Company Farms will also pay $80,000 in penalties for failing to provide written employment statements to migrant workers. State law requires agricultural employers to give workers written details about pay, hours, and job duties. Investigators say those documents were not provided as required.
The Department of Labor and Industry said the violations affected agricultural workers employed at various farm locations tied to the company.
State Officials Respond
Officials say the investigation shows the importance of written employment information and clear access to ESST benefits. They added that the recovered funds help ensure workers receive the compensation they are legally owed.
R.D. Offutt Company Farms has not released a public statement regarding the settlement.
For more information about Minnesota labor standards and ESST requirements, visit the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry at dli.mn.gov.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
