In a previous article we discussed the two “special” categories of Connecticut employers and the specific labor posters they must post to be in compliance of state labor laws. Those two categories are considered special because the vast majority of Connecticut employers will belong to the “Everyone Else” category, also known as the Administrative Regulation. Basically, if you are not a restaurant or bar and do not engage in wholesale or retail trade as your primary concern then you fall under the Administrative Regulation category and we’ll discuss the poster you must hang today.

The poster has the ‘biggies’ listed on the side apart from all of the legal minutiae. It has a table that lists the state minimum wage ($10.10 as of 1/1/17) and guidelines for how overtime is calculated. Also in these marginalia is information on the hiring and paying of minor employees. Minors employed by the state or political subdivision thereof may be paid 85% of the applicable minimum wage. This 85% rule also applies to minors employed in agriculture if they’re employed by employers who didn’t employ 8 or more employees in the preceding year. Complicate, I know. Check out section 31-60-06 if you need any clarification on this, it’s only a couple of inches to the left!

Section 31-60-16 of the poster deals with “Employee in bona fide Professional Capacity.” The general criteria for being held in this capacity is:

• work that requires knowledge of an advance field of science or other specialized field of study,
• work that requires the consistent exercise of discretion and judgement in its performance,
• work that is predominantly intellectual and varied in character as opposed to routine mental, manual, mechanical, or physical work.

The poster also touches briefly on apprenticeship stating that “apprentices duly registered by the Connecticut State Apprenticeship Council of the Labor Department may not be employed at less than the minimum wage without permission,” even if they are considered “learners.”

Being that the poster covers the state labor and employment law of most types of businesses and employers, a lot is covered here. Issues such as travel time, apparel, gratuities, and more are all covered here. Not only should this posted be posted in a conspicuous location where your employees can see it but you, yourself, should familiarize yourself with all applicable laws and regulations to make sure your business and all its HR material is compliant.

Until next time…