Midwest Drycleaning & Laundry Institute www.MWDLI.org / 765-969-5745 !14 Minimum Wage Increases Take Effect THIS TIME OF YEAR MANY OF YOU RECEIVE NOTIFICATIONS FROM LABOR POSTER VENDORS REGARDING CHANGES IN POSTING REQUIREMENTS DUE TO MINIMUM WAGE INCREASES AND OTHER REGULATION CHANGES. In 2019, we have various state and local municipalities implementing hourly minimum wage increases that became effective January 1st and throughout the year. Some of these hourly rates are double the federal minimum wage rate. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the current federal minimum hourly wage is $7.25. If there is a state or local municipal regulation offering a higher minimum wage, the employer is required to pay the higher rate. As of January 1, 2019, the hourly minimum wage for federal contract workers will increase to the rate of $10.60 per hour. Tipped employees performing work on or in connection with covered contracts must be paid a cash wage at least $7.40 per hour. In conjunction with the rate increases there are requirements to display an updated minimum wage poster. In some cases the state or municipality will update the poster for the new year, even if there is no rate increase. Posters are important not only because they are required by employment regulations, but also because they provide evidence and documentation of your good faith intent to comply with the government’s regulations. OTHER POSTING REQUIREMENT UPDATES Many states have revised their discrimination posters to include expanded coverage of the state regulation to apply to additional protected categories. Several state and local municipalities have implemented paid sick leave, family leave and school/parental leave regulations. Employers should ensure this is reflected in current written policies and display corresponding notices as required. MORE INFORMATION If you have a question regarding the many important areas of HR compliance, please contact Seay Management Consultants. Initial inquires are a member benefit of MWDLI.