Who must post a wage order?
In addition to the state’s labor and occupational safety and health laws, employers in some states are required to comply with state wage orders for particular industries. Wage orders establish detailed standards related to wages, hours and working conditions of particular industries. Wage orders often cover a variety of work-related matters. The most common are:
- Wage rates
- Overtime qualifications
- Maintenance of records
- Reporting-time pay
- Work breaks
- Posting requirement
Because wage orders are usually more precise than the general labor laws, employers in covered industries should be aware of the elevated compliance responsibilities contained in the wage order. Employers who violate the requirements of a state wage order face penalties and legal action.
California Wage Orders (“IWC”s)
- In addition to the General Minimum Wage Order, all California employers are required to post an IWC Wage Order that pertains to their industry or occupation group. California IWC Wage Orders must be posted in an area frequented by employees where it may be easily read during the workday. Labor Code §1183(d).
- California has 17 IWC Wage Orders. If you are unsure which industry or occupation wage order applies to you business, please see the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) publication, “Which IWC Order? Classifications” or the alphabetical index of businesses and occupations. For more help, please give us a call!
California IWCs
| Industry | Languages Available |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing Industry | English/Spanish |
| Personal Service Industry | English/Spanish |
| Canning, Freezing, & Preserving | English/Spanish |
| Professional, Technical, Clerical | English/Spanish |
| Public Housekeeping | English/Spanish |
| Laundry, Linen, and Dry Cleaning | English/Spanish |
| Mercantile Industry | English/Spanish |
| Products After Harvest | English/Spanish |
| Transportation Industry | English/Spanish |
| Amusement and Recreation | English/Spanish |
| Broadcasting Industry | English |
| Motion Picture Industry | English/Spanish |
| Agricultural Products | English/Spanish |
| Agricultural Occupations | English/Spanish |
| Household Occupations | English/Spanish |
| Construction, Drilling, Logging | English/Spanish |
| Miscellaneous Employees | English/Spanish |
Wage Orders for other states
Connecticut
In the state of Connecticut, there are specific regulations covering the following industries:
- Mercantile
- Restaurant
Each employer subject to the provisions must post a wage order at the place of business where it can be read easily by the employees. (Connecticut General Statutes, Section 31-66)
| Industry | Languages Available |
|---|---|
| Mercantile Industry | English |
| Restaurant and Hotel Occupations | English/Spanish |
New Jersey
Every employer subject to any order issued under the New Jersey Wage and Hour Law must keep any applicable wage order posted in a conspicuous and accessible place in or about the premises wherein any person subject thereto is employed. (NJSA 34:11-56a21)
| Industry | Languages Available |
|---|---|
| First Processing Farm Product Occupations | English |
| Seasonal Amusement Occupations | English |
| Hotel and Motel Occupations | English |
| Food Service Occupations | English |
| Mercantile Occupations | English |
| Beauty Culture Occupations | English |
| Laundry, Cleaning and Dyeing Occupations | English |
New York
In addition to the general minimum wage order, every New York employer must keep applicable wage orders – Building Services, Hospitality, Miscellaneous Industries and Occupations, and Agriculture – posted in a conspicuous place in his or her establishment. (12 NYCRR Ch. 2, Sub. B)
| Industry | Languages Available |
|---|---|
| Apparel Industry | English |
| Building Service Industry | English |
| Farm Workers | English |
| Hospitality Industry | English |
| Miscellaneous Industries | English/Spanish |