labor lawAdivision of labor law center

Iowa is one of the states which use the Federal minimum wage law for most hourly-based employees. The Iowa minimum wage posters clearly show the current Federal minimum wage is $5.15 per hour worked; a rate that has been in effect since September 1, 1997. This wage applies to all private-sector employment, including non-supervisory and non-farm jobs. In addition, there is a premium which equates to one and one-half times this rate for overtime.

In a report produced by The Iowa Policy Project (www.iowapolicyproject.org) in July 2006, they provide significant and well-documented research which points to the benefits of raising Iowa’s minimum wage above that of the federally-mandated rate. Since they did not think that the federal rates were likely to change, they anticipate that Iowa’s 82nd General Assembly may increase the State’s minimum wage in its first session of the year. However, they are also quick to point out that even with $6.15 per hour new rate, that amount is unlikely to elevate a two-person family above the level of $13,200 for being impoverished, and the possible increase to $7.25 would just barely push a family above the poverty level. This is true for Iowa, as it is for the other states which already have the higher rate.

Since being enacted in 1938 in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the minimum wage wasn’t fully implemented until 1963. Over the years, the FLSA has expanded the classes of workers covered for minimum wage. For instance, a tipped employee must be paid at least $2.13 an hour. If the employee’s total hourly wage, including tips, does not meet or exceed this federal minimum hourly wage, then the employer will need to supplement this wage.

There are a number of other exemptions and exceptions, most notably for full-time students and qualified disabled workers. The rules governing these special classes of employees are complex. However, it is the employer’s responsibility to make sure that they are following the current rules and regulations. If you believe yourself to be unfairly treated under these wage guidelines, you may wish to contact the Iowa or US Department of Labor. This information must also be clearly visible on the Iowa Minimum Wage Posters at your workplace.

Last 10 posts by Savannah

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