labor lawAdivision of labor law center

I have read that the hourly minimum wage in Iowa is set at $5.15 an hour, and applies to most hourly earners. Some exceptions to the law may be paid less than the minimum wage only under special certificates issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. These include:

• Retail and service establishments making less than $300,000 a year
• Most supervisory and administrative employees paid a salary
• Certain full-time students, student learners, apprentices
• Workers with disabilities

The tip credit which an employer may claim is 40% of the applicable minimum wage, or $2.13 an hour in direct wages. “Tipped Employees” customarily and regularly receive more than $30.00 a month in tips. If an employee’s tips combined with the employer’s direct wages of at least $2.13 an hour do not equal the federal minimum hourly wage, the employer must make up the difference.

My research shows that iIn Iowa, overtime is enforced through the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This law requires that workers who work over 40 hours of work in a workweek must be paid time and a half. Some exceptions to the 40 hours per week standard apply under special circumstances to police officers and firefighters employed by public agencies and to employees of hospitals and nursing homes.

The Iowa Division of Labor may bring action against employers who violate the state’s minimum wage law. Courts may order payment of back wages. No employer can discriminate against or discharge an employee for filing a complaint or participating in a proceeding under this law.

Since there are a combination of state and federal laws governing minimum wage, the more stringent law is always the one that takes precedent. Employers must post a notice of the minimum wage law somewhere it is easily be seen.

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