Minimum Wage Law in Washington State

Minimum Wage Law in Washington State

Minimum Wage Law in Washington State

The state of Washington currently has the highest minimum wage of any state in the nation. At $8.55, with an increase to $8.67 an hour in 2011, Washington is $1.30 higher than the Federal minimum wage. The laws regarding minimum wage are very confusing for employers and employees alike, but businesses have no excuse to not abide by them. I believe that with easier to understand information on the minimum wage, employees will be in a better position to exersize their rights in the workplaceWho has to be paid the minimum wage? The vast majority of employees fall under the umbrella of minimum wage laws. There are, however, a few types of employees that do not have to be paid minimum wage. Students working internships fall under this category. As long as the internship provides an academic experience, the student can receive compensation in the form of experience and school credit instead of money. There are also certain types of contract employees that may establish rates as they see fit with whoever is hiring them. These rates do not have to be at the minimum wage level. It is also important to note that the minimum wage is meant for people that are 16 years and older. This does not prevent 14 and 15 year olds from working, though. Their minimum wage is legally set to 85% of the normal minimum wage. How is the minimum wage calculated? First, it should be noted that there is a Federal minimum wage and a State minimum wage. Employers are subject to abide by whichever number is higher. In Washington, the state level is higher than the Federal level, and has been for a while. Because of this, businesses are required to pay their employees at least $8.55 an hour, rather than the Federal minimum of $7.25 an hour. Washington has a rather unique way in which it determines the level of minimum wage. Every year, it is adjusted to cost of living changes to keep up with inflation. Every year, the new wage is set in September, and goes into effect the following year on January 1st.Can employers count tips in their calculation of minimum wage? Some states have a lower minimum wage for employees that make money off of tips, but Washington is not one of them. Valet parkers, waiters and anybody else who gets tips as a part of their job must still be paid the minimum wage by the business that employs them. What can I do if my employer is not paying me minimum wage? If you are not being paid the minimum wage despite working a job that requires your employer to do so, then you should seek legal representation as soon as possible. The minimum wage is meant to protect employees and allow them to live on a reasonable wage. When employers do not abide by these rules, the employee should speak with an experienced employment lawyer about what they need to do to take legal action.

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