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Arizona (AZ) Labor and Employment Laws

September 8th, 2006 Posted by Marilyn

Whether or not you are aware of them, there are several laws controlling almost all aspects of the workforce. These laws establish guidelines for employers so they are aware of what they can and can’t do in their employment practices. These laws also protect the rights of workers. There are federal laws, which almost all employers must adhere to, and many states develop their own set of statutes as well. These laws cover many issues such as wages, child labor, discrimination, workplace safety and Workers Compensation Insurance. As a citizen or worker in Arizona it is good to have a basic idea of at least some of these laws. The Industrial Commission of Arizona monitors and enforces these laws.

Arizona is one of few states that do not have a minimum wage or overtime law. Most employers fall under federal regulations and must follow the Fair Labor Standards Act. This means that the minimum wage is $5.15 per hour and that employees should be paid at a rate of one and a half times their regular rate for hours worked in excess of forty in a week. Arizona (AZ) labor and employment laws do require employers to pay their employees at least twice a month and no more than 16 days apart. Employers should make these dates clear to their employees.

Arizona (AZ) labor and employment laws have special provisions for minors limiting the amount of hours they can work and prohibiting certain occupations. Sometimes state and federal laws may conflict with each other and in those cases the stricter of the two would apply. Safety and health issues are also addressed in Arizona (AZ) labor and employment laws. The Industrial Commission routinely makes unannounced inspections to ensure that employers are acting in compliance with these laws. By law all employers with at least one employee are required to maintain Workers Compensation insurance.