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New Jersey Labor Laws

August 18th, 2006 Posted by Sarah

I find that employers and employees alike are often interested in learning more about the labor laws in their state. The New Jersey labor laws cover a number of important subjects, a few of which I thought I would summarize here today.

Minimum wage and other payment issues are an often-discussed topic in many parts of the country. New Jersey currently has a state minimum wage of $6.15 per hour. This will increase to $7.15 per hour in a few months on October 1^st, 2006. Full time students who are employed by the university or college at which they attend have a minimum wage of 85% of the current general minimum wage. Employees who receive tips may be paid as little as $2.13 per hour, but their total wages per hour including tips must equal the current minimum wage.

In general, wages in New Jersey must be paid twice per month. Supervisory and Managerial employees, however, may be paid as infrequently as once per month. Employees who leave their job for any reason, including termination, must be paid by the next regular pay day. The New Jersey labor laws also contain provisions for dealing with wage disputes.

Child labor laws are another interesting section of the New Jersey labor laws. Minors working in the state need to have an employment certificate, or in some cases a special permit. This applies to all youths under the age of 18. The work hours and types of work allowed at various ages are also included in the code. Various types of employment such as theatrical work, agricultural labor, newspaper delivery, street trades, restaurant employment, bowling alleys, messengers, factory work, seasonal work, and general employment all have differing regulations as to the work hours and specific jobs allowed for minors of different ages. The New Jersey labor law also requires that all minors under 18 must receive a 30 minute meal break for each 5 hours they work continuously.

This blog entry presents just a few aspects of the New Jersey labor laws. Other provisions in the law include unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, health and safety rules, civil rights rules, and so on. The New Jersey Complete Labor Law poster is a great source for an up to date listing of both state and federal labor laws.