What are the minimum wage and overtime pay requirements in Pennsylvania, and am I obligated to pay them to my employees?
The minimum wage and overtime pay requirements in Pennsylvania are regulated by the Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act (PMWA) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The current minimum wage in Pennsylvania is $7.25 per hour, which is the same as the federal minimum wage. However, some cities in Pennsylvania, such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, have established a higher minimum wage for their city employees.
Under the FLSA, employers are required to pay overtime at a rate of one-and-a-half times the employee's regular rate of pay for any hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a workweek. The PMWA also requires overtime pay at a rate of one-and-a-half times the employee's regular rate of pay for any hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a workweek. Employers must pay overtime to employees who are not exempt from the overtime provisions of the FLSA and PMWA.
Employers are generally obligated to pay the minimum wage and overtime pay to their employees, regardless of whether they are full-time or part-time employees. Some employees may be exempt from minimum wage and overtime requirements under certain circumstances. For example, executive, administrative, and professional employees who are paid on a salary basis and meet certain other requirements may be exempt from minimum wage and overtime pay. Additionally, some employees who work in certain industries or who perform certain types of work may be exempt from minimum wage and overtime pay.
If you believe that your employees may be exempt from minimum wage and overtime requirements, you should consult with an experienced employment law attorney to determine whether your employees qualify for an exemption. Additionally, it is recommended that you keep accurate records of your employees' hours worked and pay rates to ensure compliance with minimum wage and overtime pay requirements.
In conclusion, as an employer in Pennsylvania, you are generally required to pay the minimum wage and overtime pay to your employees, unless they are exempt under the FLSA or PMWA. If you have questions about whether your employees are exempt or what the minimum wage and overtime pay requirements are in your specific situation, it is recommended that you consult with an experienced employment law attorney.