Wages and Pay

This section covers employee rights topics regarding wages, salaries and other pay. Among others, topics include state minimum payday requirements, overtime pay, final paychecks, resignation pay, paid time off (PTO), equal pay, prevailing wage, and the most recent Federal minimum wage increase.

Wages and Pay Topics

Exempt vs. Non-Exempt
Explains the difference between exempt and non-exempt (nonexempt) employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), in regard to the minimum wage and overtime pay.

Fair Pay Laws
Summarizes the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 (Fair Pay Act), the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and other Federal laws that serve as "fair pay laws" for employees.

Federal Minimum Wage Increase
About the 2009 Federal minimum wage increase, the last of three 70-cent increases authorized under the minimum wage law of 2007 that bumped up the Federal hourly rate to its current amount.

Final Paycheck
When final paychecks are due under state final pay laws, after employees quit or lose their jobs.

Holiday Pay - Paid Holidays
Federal workers are entitled to paid holidays, under a "holiday pay law". But there is no such law for private-sector workers. Learn more.

Minimum Wage
Minimum wage definition, current rate and eligibility requirements, under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and equivalent state laws. Includes employee avenues of relief for employer violations.

Overtime Pay
Overtime pay and work hours simply explained, under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and equivalent state laws. Includes information about the legal recourse workers have for employer violations.

Payday Requirements
When employers must issue employee paychecks, according to state payday laws. Provides a chart that lists payday requirements by state.

Prevailing Wage
A definition of the prevailing wage, what it's about, the laws that regulate it and how to find out how much it is.

Resignation Pay
Find out if your employer must pay you through your notice period, after you give advanced notice of resignation.

Severance Pay
Whether or not you're entitled to receive severance pay from your employer, after quitting or losing your job. Information about severance pay laws and severance agreements included.

Show-Up Pay or Reporting Pay
Explains show-up pay, also referred to as reporting pay, and provides information about the related laws.

Sick Pay - Paid Sick Leave
Generally, employers are not required to provide employee sick leave, even without pay; but states and municipalities have begun to introduce or pass laws that require employers to provide paid sick leave. Learn more.

Vacation Pay
Discover if your employee rights entitle you to take a vacation from work, with or without pay.

Wage Garnishment
Defines wage garnishment and explains worker protections under the Federal wage garnishment law.

Topics Related to Wages and Pay

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Equal Pay for Equal Work
Equal pay for equal work simply explained, under the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and other discrimination laws that prohibit employers from paying unequal wages.

Mandatory Overtime Pay
Discover whether or not employees must work mandatory overtime to keep their jobs. Also referred to as forced overtime.

Paid Time Off (PTO)
Explains employee rights regarding paid time off or PTO for short. PTO includes vacation, sick leave, and personal days.

Unemployment Compensation
Generally, how state unemployment benefits work. Includes information about unemployment compensation, claims, eligibility and appeals. Provides links for further researching same, specifically for your work state.