labor lawAdivision of labor law center

On January 1, 2009, the Vermont minimum wage will increase by 38 cents, from $7.68 per hour to $8.06 per hour. This increase puts the Vermont minimum wage in the top five in the nation. The nation’s highest minimum wage is in Washington, at $8.55 per hour in 2009. The second highest minimum wage is in Oregon, at $8.40 per hour.

The Vermont minimum wage for tipped employees increases on January 1, 2009 by 19 cents, from $3.72 per hour to $3.91 per hour. Under state law, this amount applies to “a service or tipped employee.” This is defined as an employee of a hotel, motel, tourist place or restaurant who customarily and regularly receives more than $120 per month in tips. If the employee’s tips plus wages does not average at least the Vermont minimum wage over the pay period, the employer must pay the difference to the employee, in wages.

Every Vermont employer is required to prominently display a number of labor law posters, including the Vermont minimum wage poster. Failure to do so can result in citations, fines and penalties. (more…)