On November 10, 2017, the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce commenced a lawsuit against the city of Minneapolis to prevent enforcement of its recently adopted $15 per hour minimum wage ordinance. According to the Chamber of Commerce, “The state has set the minimum wage in Minnesota, and a city does not have the power to set a different minimum wage.” The law is set to go into effect on January 1, 2018, as large employers face their first wage hike to $10 per hour on that date, followed by subsequent increases for all employers up to $15 by 2024. Lisa Schmid, a labor and employment attorney with Nilan Johnson Lewis, points out the similarities between this case and one filed to block paid sick leave in Minneapolis. “While we are still waiting for a final answer on the sick leave lawsuit, we may only see a partial injunction of enforcement for employers outside of Minneapolis,” says Schmid. “At this time, employers should continue to plan for compliance with the $15 minimum wage, but they should watch the issue closely. Things can and often do change very quickly.” To speak with Lisa Schmid about Minneapolis raising its minimum wage and related issues, contact her at 612.305.7549 or lschmid@nilanjohnson.com.