Minimum Wage Laws and Requirements in Missouri
Minimum wage laws regulate the minimum amount of compensation per hour that employers are required to pay their employees. Many people make minimum wage, or just a bit more than minimum wage, but they often aren’t aware of the actual required amount or how the law applies to their profession. In some cases, this lack of awareness and understanding results in employees being denied their rightful wages and losing a substantial amount of money. There are even situations where the employers themselves are unaware of the laws that apply to their workforce and wage requirements, especially where the employers are fairly small and have few employees.
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter if you are being underpaid intentionally or by mistake, because you are still owed the rightful and lawful minimum wage for your work hours. The first thing to know is that Missouri’s minimum wage is 35 cents more than the federal minimum wage requirement. That is, if you work in Missouri, your employer is legally required to pay you at least $7.65 per hour. Keep in mind that this can change with state and federal legislation over time. When the minimum wage changes, your employer is legally required to increase your pay, as indicated by the new legislation.
What Can You Do If You Are Being Paid Less Than the Legal Minimum Wage?
The first thing to do when you find out that you are being paid less than minimum wage, or if the minimum wage changes and your pay does not increase to reflect the new legislation, is to discuss the issue with your employer. You will want to be fully informed about what you should rightfully be paid based on your employment classification and the current laws. Keep in mind that some employment classifications are exempt from minimum wage requirements, though most are not. If your employer does not rectify the situation, including any back pay that you did not receive, then you need to contact an attorney to discuss your claim and how to proceed.
Get a Free Consultation From Cornerstone Law Firm
It can be very difficult for an individual worker to go up against their employer, which is why it is important to seek the advice and representation of an experienced and confident lawyer. The attorneys at Cornerstone Law Firm will give you a free consultation to help you get a better idea of what your claim is worth and how to go about pursuing a claim against your employer. We can then work on building your case by gathering evidence, reviewing the laws, communicating with your employer and/or their attorneys, and taking the case to court if it cannot be otherwise resolved. Contact us today for your free consultation and stand up for your rights as a Missouri employee.
