Washington Raises Minimum Wage, Recommends Employers Post Info

Employers in Washington most likely are aware of the recent state law mandating an increase in the minimum wage from $9.19 per hour to $9.32 per hour, effective on January 1 of this year. Many, however, are unsure of their related responsibilities.

All employers, regardless of the number of employees, need tocommunicate minimum wage increase information to their workers. For most companies, the best way to accomplish this is to post the information in a place where employees can easily see it. The minimum wage posting is not a requirement in Washington, but it’s a good idea, since failing to do so can be a red flag to inspectors doing an audit. On the other hand posting the information generally shows a good-faith effort to educate employees about their rights.

At the federal level, a piece of legislation calling for an increase in the federal minimum wage rate continues to gain support in Congress. This bill would require every employer in the country to comply with an updated federally determined minimum, and once again, to post the updated information for their employees. This change could happen as early as the end of the first quarter of 2014.

Call 800-327-6868 for more information about recent employment law changes and where to find postings.