While many employers are gearing up for the holidays, many employees across the U.S. will see an increase in minimum wage. On Jan. 1, 2020, the minimum wage will increase in numerous states and cities throughout the country that have adopted their own minimum wage laws, which provide for a higher rate than the federal
minimum wage
Multi-state employers: Be prepared for July 1 minimum wage increases
On July 1, 2019, the minimum wage will increase in several locations throughout the country. While the federal minimum wage has remained $7.25 per hour since July 2009, many states, cities and counties have adopted their own minimum wage laws which provide for a higher rate. In areas where minimum wage laws overlap, employees are…
Wage and Hour Division announces pilot limited “amnesty” program
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has announced a new nationwide pilot program, called the Payroll Audit Independent Determination (PAID) program, which is designed to facilitate resolution of potential overtime and minimum wage violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). According to the WHD’s website describing the program, the program’s primary objectives are to resolve wage and hour claims expeditiously and without litigation, to improve employers’ compliance with overtime and minimum wage obligations and to ensure that more employees promptly receive any owed back wages.
WHD states that it will implement this pilot program nationwide for approximately six months. At the end of the pilot period, WHD will evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot program, as well as potential modifications to the program to determine its next steps.
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Minimum wage exemptions upheld in Ohio Supreme Court case
A divided Ohio Supreme Court held that Ohio’s minimum wage law exempts employees engaged in an executive, administrative or professional capacity, or as outside salespersons, summer camp employees, fishing employees, small publication employees and family farm employees. In Haight v. Minchak, No. 2016-Ohio-1053, two sales representatives challenged the constitutionality of Ohio’s minimum wage statute (R.C. 4111.14)—arguing that the definition of employee in R.C. 4111.14(B)(1) conflicts with the definition in the Ohio Constitution. The Court held that the definitions did not conflict.
John Haight and Christopher Pence were sales representatives for Cheap Escape Company. They were paid by commissions plus a draw. The Company stopped paying or reduced the draw when its sales representatives underperformed. The compensation the underperforming sales representatives received fell below Ohio’s minimum wage. Haight and Pence filed a class action lawsuit alleging that R.C. 4111.14 was unconstitutional and seeking unpaid wages.
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Appellate Court throws exemptions to minimum wage laws in Ohio out the window
A divided Montgomery County Court of Appeals has determined that the Ohio minimum wage statute unconstitutionally restricted the definition of “employee” in the Ohio constitution and declared the law invalid, thereby eliminating exemptions to Ohio’s minimum wage laws.
John Haight and Christopher Pence were employed as advertising salespeople for Cheap Escape Company dba JB Dollar…
Secretary of Labor announces proposed rules for minimum wage for federal contractors
The Secretary of Labor announced proposed regulations raising the minimum wage for workers on federal contracts to $10.10 per hour. This new requirement applies to: (1) construction contracts covered by the Davis-Bacon Act (but not those covered only by the Davis-Bacon Related Acts); (2) procurement and nonprocurement contracts exceeding $2,500 covered by the Service Contract…
Updates for Federal Contractors: New Minimum Wage Coming Soon; New Required Form for Self-Identification of Disability Published by OFCCP.
Those of you who watched President Obama’s State of the Union Address know he announced that he will establish by Executive Order a minimum wage of $10.10 for all federal contractors and subcontractors. A proposal backed by the White House is currently pending in Congress to raise the federal minimum wage for all employers from $7.25 to $10.10. There is strong opposition to the proposed law. The President’s anticipated Executive Order does not need Congressional approval because it will not impact all employers, just those who have federal contracts or subcontracts. …
Continue Reading Updates for Federal Contractors: New Minimum Wage Coming Soon; New Required Form for Self-Identification of Disability Published by OFCCP.
State Minimum Wage Increases for 2014
Come Jan. 1, 2014, the federal minimum wage rate will remain at $7.25 per hour for non-tipped employees, and $2.13 per hour for tipped employees. As of Jan. 1, 2013, 19 states and the District of Columbia had minimum wage rates higher than the federal minimum wage rate. In 2014, not only will that number grow to 20 states, but a number will see their minimum wage rates increase further.
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Minimum Wage for Ohio Employers Increases January 1, 2013
As we begin the final quarter of 2012, employers are reminded that effective January 1, 2013, Ohio’s minimum wage rate will increase by $.15 cents per hour, from $7.70 to $7.85 for non-tipped employees and by $.08 cents per hour, from $3.85 per hour to $3.93 per hour, excluding tips. The increased minimum wage applies…
DOL Regulations Set To Take Effect May 5
As we advised last month, several changes initiated by the DOL’s Wage and Hour Division’s new regulations are set to take effect on May 5, 2011.
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