State labor laws are a set of rules and regulations that govern employment relationships between employers and employees within each state. Every state has its own labor laws that cover a range of areas, including minimum wage, overtime pay, worker’s compensation, discrimination, and workplace safety.
We have created a series of articles that focus on state labor laws for each state in the US. These articles provide an overview of the labor laws in each state.
In each, we cover the key provisions of state labor laws, such as minimum wage rates, overtime requirements, and other employment-related regulations. We also discuss how state labor laws compare to federal labor laws and highlight any unique features or exceptions that may exist in a particular state.
Our state labor law articles are designed to be a valuable resource for both employers and employees. Whether you are a business owner looking to comply with state labor laws or an employee seeking to assert your rights, we hope they provide the information you need to navigate the complex world of state labor laws.
FAQs
Some frequently asked questions
The federal minimum wage in the US is $7.25 per hour, as of May 2023. This rate has been in effect since 2009.
However, many US states and localities have set their own minimum wage rates that are higher than the federal level, with some as high as $15 per hour.
Check out our extensive US labor laws articles for more information on the minimum wage in each state and other employment requirements.
Although there is no set number of hours that employees are required to work per day or week in the United States, there are regulations in place that limit the number of hours that employees can work without receiving overtime pay.
This often depends on the industry, the type of job, and the specific employer, with various US states setting their own maximum hour limits.
Yes, in most states in the US, employment is generally considered to be “at-will,” which means that an employer can terminate an employee at any time and for any reason, as long as the reason is not discriminatory or otherwise illegal.
However, there may be certain exceptions to at-will employment through contract provisions specifying conditions for termination and laws that protect employees from retaliation for exercising their rights.
The key difference between exempt and non-exempt employees in the US is their eligibility for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Exempt employees are not eligible for (exempted from) overtime pay, while non-exempt employees are entitled to it at a rate of at least 1.5 times their regular pay for hours worked over 40 in a week.
To be classified as exempt, an employee must meet certain criteria related to their job duties, salary, and other factors.
Whether or not you are entitled to overtime pay in the US depends on your classification as an exempt or non-exempt employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Exempt employees are not eligible for overtime pay, while non-exempt employees are entitled to it at a rate of at least 1.5 times their regular pay for hours worked over 40 in a week.
This classification is often determined based on job duties, salary, and other factors.
If you are unsure about your classification and eligibility, it’s a good idea to check with your employer or a legal professional.
Alternatively, why not check out our US Labor Laws articles for more information on overtime pay in each state and other employment requirements?
Withholding of pay is generally illegal in the US, and employees have the right to file a complaint with the US Department of Labor or take legal action against their employer if their pay is improperly withheld.
However, paycheck withholding may be acceptable in limited cases such as when required by law (taxes), when correcting payroll errors, or with written employee authorization for specific deductions (retirement plans).
Discrimination in the workplace relates to treating employees or job applicants unfairly based on certain characteristics, such as their race, gender, age, religion, disability, or national origin.
Various US states have specified their own grounds for discrimination with some being more extensive than others.
Workplace discrimination is illegal in the US under federal and state laws, and employees who experience discrimination may file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or pursue legal action.
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