GrapeTree Medical Staffing reached an agreement with the state of Minnesota to pay $336,000 in back wages to 997 employees because of its use of booking fees, the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry reported.

The booking fee system potentially charged workers between $50 and $200 to book a shift; however, the fee was waived if the shift was completed, according to the department. If the shift was missed or canceled by the employee, the booking fee was deducted from future paychecks.

GrapeTree disputes the allegations made by the department and said it entered the agreement to move forward.

“GrapeTree Medical Staffing has reached an agreement with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry related to its ‘booking fee’ policy,” the company said in a statement to SIA. “As part of this agreement, GrapeTree will refund booking fees to Minnesota-based healthcare professionals for shifts abandoned during the specific period defined by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. GrapeTree had previously already discontinued the practice of charging booking fees for access to book shifts through the portal.”

 The company continued, “GrapeTree disputes and does not admit the violations of law alleged by the department and is entering into this agreement for the sole purpose of bringing this matter to an efficient resolution.”

 GrapeTree said it designs its policies in accordance with the law and in the best interests of its healthcare professionals.

“GrapeTree appreciates and values their hard work and dedication and remains committed to supporting them as they provide essential care to the communities we serve,” the company said.

The company last year resolved similar allegations by the state of Illinois.