As seen on ISSA.com. 

The Department of Labor has made available at no charge its new official minimum wage poster, designed to comply with the recent increase in the federal minimum wage.

The first of three increases in the federal minimum wage took effect earlier this week. As of July 24, 2007, the federal minimum wage increased to $5.85 per hour. The federal minimum wage is set to increase to $6.55 per hour on July 24, 2008; and to $7.25 per hour on July 24, 2009.

In addition, the regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Labor require employers to display an official Fair Labor and Standards Act (FLSA) poster, which generally explains the law’s requirements. The poster must be displayed in a conspicuous place in every establishment where employees are employed.

It is important to note that some courts have ruled that failure to comply with the FLSA’s conspicuous posting requirement may extend the time limit under which an employee can bring FLSA claims. In such situations, the ability to bring claims can be extended until the time that the employee obtains actual notice of his or her FLSA rights. To prevent such issues from arising, it is important for employers to appropriately display the FLSA poster.

The Department of Labor recently released its updated official poster, which is available to employers at no charge by clicking here.

Many states also have minimum wage laws. In cases where an employee is subject to both the state and federal minimum wage laws, the employee is entitled to the higher of the two minimum wages. For information on the minimum wage for a particular state, click here.