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Wage and Hour

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In this area, you can find information on various wage and hour topics. Click on the underlined topic(s) below for details:

General Information

• Employee vs. independent contractor: The Internal Revenue Service's fact sheet reminding businesses to make sure workers are classified properly so that all tax obligations are met.

• Comparison of federal FLSA and CT Department of Labor’s “white collar” exemption and overtime regulations.

• Overview of Connecticut's Wage Payment Laws Information on when employees are to be paid, payment of wages upon termination of employment, deductions from wages, and a summary of information to be provided at the time of hire.

• Basic Info on Connecticut's Wage & Hour Laws (CT Dept. Of Labor) This link to the Conn. Dept. of Labor includes employer's frequently asked questions. 

• Handy Reference Guide to Federal Wage & Hour Laws The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, record keeping, and child labor standards affecting full-time and part-time workers in the private sector and in Federal, State, and local governments. This guide, published by the U.S. Dept. of Labor, provides an overview of the federal laws.

• FLSA Advisor Provides employers and employees with the information they need to understand federal minimum wage, overtime, child labor and record keeping requirements; includes FAQs. 

• Wage & Hour FAQs*

• Article: Supreme Court sides with IRS on cash tips
• Article: Sales commission agreement can allow deductions for "unidentified" returns
• Article: Employer's right to withhold disputed portion of a wage applies only to the most recent pay period

Minimum Wage, Overtime, Breaks & Travel Time

New mileage rate 1/1/08

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has approved a four-cent increase in the optional standard mileage rate for work-related automotive travel. Beginning Jan. 1, 2008, the new rate for the use of a car, including vans, pickups and panel trucks, will be 50.5 cents per business mile, up from 48.5 cents for 2007.

     The primary reasons for the higher rate are higher prices for vehicles and fuel during the year ending in October.

     The IRS also noted that the rate for the use of a car for medical or moving purposes will be 20 cents per mile, and the rate per mile driven in service to a charitable organization will be 14 cents.

Other information:

• Minimum Wage (state and federal)

• Overtime

• Breaks

• Travel Time

• Business Mileage Rate

Classification of Employees
Many employers are under the mistaken impression that simply paying an employee on a salary basis makes that employee exempt from minimum wage and overtime requirements. Salary is only one part of the determination. In order to be exempt, the employee in question must also perform exempt duties.

• Article: DOL issues overtime rules (May 2004)

• Exempt vs. Non-Exempt Employees: An Overview

• Fact Sheet on Exempt vs. Non-exempt Employees (federal DOL)

• E-Laws Advisor on Wage and Hour Exemptions (federal DOL)

• Article: Summary of the new wage and hour regulations concerning executive, administrative, and professional employees* (August 2001)

• Text of Connecticut Regulations on Exempt Employees

• Exempt/Non-exempt Worksheet for Executives or Managers (CT DOL)

• Volunteers Under the FLSA

Employment of Minors

• CT Dept. of Labor Checklists Concerning Employment of Minors Lists of prohibited occupations and prohibited places of employment, permitted occupations, and time and hour restrictions.

• 11/98 Release Concerning Restrictions on Driving by Minors ThisU.S. Dept. of Labor release summarizes the limitations on minors driving as part of their employment. Notably, no minor under 17 years of age may drive on public roadways as part of his or her job if the employment is subject to the FLSA; 17-year-old drivers are subject to numerous restrictions.

• Information on Teen Worker Safety (federal Dept. of Labor/OSHA)

Prevailing Wage Laws
      Connecticut's prevailing wage law applies to each contract for the construction, remodeling, refinishing, refurbishing, rehabilitation, alteration, or repair of any public works project by the State or its agents, or by any political subdivision of the State. It requires covered employers to pay a prevailing rate, consisting of a base rate and a fringe benefit rate which may be paid in cash or benefits, to covered employees.

• Summary of CT's Prevailing Wage Law 

• Monthly Prevailing Wage Rate Schedules

In addition, a 1999 law (Public Act 99-142) set standard wage rates for certain service workers. On and after July 1, 2000, each contract or agreement with the state or any state agent for the provision of food, building, property, or equipment services will have standard wage rates determined by the Labor Commissioner. In general, the rates affect only those contracts or agreements of more than $49,999.00 per year. However, any employer that pays the state for a franchise to provide food preparation or service must pay the standard wage rates regardless of the value of the contract or agreement.

For more information on the standard wage rates for service workers click here.

© 2003 Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA). All rights reserved.

The articles, forms and other materials available through this Web site are for informational purposes only. They are not intended as legal advice or as a solution to an individual problem. You are encouraged to consult with appropriate legal counsel prior to relying on the materials in whole or in part.