Employment Law Alert: Department of Labor Issues New Federal Minimum Wage Poster
7/16/2007

As you may know, President Bush recently signed legislation that raises the federal minimum wage for the first time since 1997. Currently $5.15 per hour, the federal minimum wage increases to $5.85 per hour beginning July 24, 2007; to $6.55 per hour beginning July 24, 2008; and to $7.25 per hour beginning July 24, 2009.

California's minimum wage currently stands at $7.50 per hour, Oregon's at $7.80 per hour, and Washington's at $7.93 per hour. California's minimum wage increases to $8.00 per hour in 2008, and the Oregon and Washington rates are adjusted annually for inflation. Although the federal increase will have little effect on employers in states with a higher minimum wage, all employers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act must display the newly-issued federal poster where employees can readily see it.

The federal poster is now available for download here: http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/posters/flsa.htm.

Contact your Stoel Rives Labor and Employment attorney if you have questions about this or other workplace posting requirements.