An updated Wage and Hour Law Abstract poster has recently been issued by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The poster now reflects the new minimum wage of $8.38, which is effective January 1, 2015—this is an increase of 13 cents an hour from the current minimum wage of $8.25. Employers are required to provide all employees with notice of the new minimum wage by posting the updated poster on or before January 1, 2015. Note: If the notice is posted before the new minimum wage takes effect, New Jersey employers must continue to post both the current and updated Wage and Hour Law Abstract posters until January 1, 2015. The posters can be viewed here.
As a reminder, New Jersey employers are required to post the Wage and Hour Law Abstract poster in a conspicuous and accessible place, such as in the employee break room, cafeteria or on employer maintained bulletin boards. (N.J.S.A. § 34:11-56a21.) Employers are also required to maintain a true and accurate record of the hours worked and wages paid to non-exempt employees. (N.J.S.A. § 34:11-56a20.)
Employers should be mindful that under the New Jersey Minimum Wage Increase Amendment, approved in 2013 by 61% of voters, New Jersey’s minimum wage will continue to automatically increase to match the pace of inflation. This automatic increase means that employers will need to be vigilant in providing employees with timely updates of the applicable minimum wage, ordering and posting new posters to reflect the appropriate minimum wage, and making the necessary changes to payroll systems to ensure that all employees are being compensated at the required rate.
Employers can order additional copies of the updated Wage and Hour Law Abstract poster in both braille and large print by contacting the Division of Wage and Hour Compliance at (609) 292-2305. These posters are provided free of charge.
