Report on Labor Trafficking Services Grant Program

Labor trafficking happens when one person manipulates or controls another to provide labor.

Labor exploitation happens when workers experience unfair labor practices, such as withholding pay or being underpaid, child labor, or wage theft.

Labor trafficking and exploitation are public health issues. Victims and survivors suffer short- and long-term health effects from working in unsafe conditions and workers may not be able to support their basic needs.

Labor trafficking services grant

There is growing national recognition that a more holistic response to human trafficking is necessary, one that encompasses sex trafficking, sexual exploitation, labor trafficking, and labor exploitation.

During the 2023 Minnesota state legislative session, crucial services funding was appropriated in response to joint advocacy by survivor subject matter experts, victim services coalitions, labor unions, and human rights organizations. At the same time, the legislature made significant updates to the labor trafficking criminal statute (Minn. Stat. § 609.282). These events, along with new wage theft laws, place Minnesota in a stronger position to address labor trafficking and exploitation.

MDH received $500,000 per year as base funding to provide services to victims of labor trafficking and exploitation including case management, supportive services, shelter, housing, and other needs. Six organizations received funding to provide these services for FY24 to FY26.

Legislative reports

The Report on Labor Trafficking Services Grant Program 2025 (PDF) provides an update on the services provided by grant recipients, who is receiving services, and success stories of grantees.

This Report on Labor Trafficking Services Grant Program (PDF) provides information on the grant recipients, their service areas, project descriptions and amounts awarded.