By:  LINDSEY O’NEILL, ESQ.

On July 24, 3009, the federal minimum wage increased to $7.25 per hour.  This increase is the last of three provided by the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007.  Many states also have minimum wage laws, however where the employee is covered by both state and federal law, the employee is entitled to whichever is the higher minimum wage.  As a result, all employees covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act must be paid at least a minimum of $7.25 per hour.  Also, employers must post a revised Federal minimum wage poster in their places of work.   You can download the revised FLSA poster by clicking here. 

Now, there are some exceptions to the minimum wage provisions of the law, though the exceptions tend to be pretty narrowly defined.  Employers should check with legal counsel regarding properly classifying employees and properly compensating them.  Violations of wage and hour laws, even if done accidentally, can result in serious penalties.  For more information about wages and hours, speak to a labor and employment attorney who can advise you about your legal options.