What posters are required to be displayed?
As soon as most business owners and employers discover that labor law posters are required, the first question that asserts itself in their minds is: Which ones do I need? There are a plethora of workplace posters out there, and not all of them have a simple “if this, then that” requirement. This is further complicated by the labor law itself being divided into two categories (generally speaking). The first, federal laws – employers doing business within the United States are required to conspicuously display in their workplace at least the following:
- Federal Minimum Wage
- Employee Polygraph Protection
- Occupational Safety and Health
- Family Medical Leave Act
- Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act
- Equal Employment Opportunity
While many industries and select businesses must have a few other, more specific posters on hand to post, the above 6 are mandatory for all, and equates to full federal compliance with labor law postings. The second labor law category are state labor laws. All states have something different from, an extension of, or in addition to federal labor law requirements. In many states, the postings are usually restricted to the state’s Unemployment Insurance/Compensation and Workers’ Compensation policies, and the minimum wage. Minimum wages especially tend to differ from the federal wage of $7.25. For a completely accurate list of what you’ll need to comply with state mandated labor law postings, visit your state’s government website.
Is anyone exempt from posting these notices?
While it is strongly recommended to post labor law posters regardless of possible, selective exemptions, the following is a brief and general list of those not required to post any workplace notices:
- Sole proprietors with no employees
- Businesses solely employing contract employees
- Businesses with an all-volunteer workforce
- Family owned business where are employees are related
Where should my labor law poster be displayed?
Notices must be displayed in a place that’s both easily accessible and visited on a daily basis by employees. It is vital that your posters are conspicuously shown so that employees can easily and conveniently read the contents.
Are multilingual posters required to be displayed?
Unless your business is located in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, North Carolina, New York, or Texas, only English posters are required to be shown. If you have multiple employees who primarily speak in a different language, however, it’s highly recommended you post an appropriate labor law literature for them. To obtain posters in various languages other than English and Spanish, you should contact the appropriate labor agency for their recommendation and assistance.
Are the posting requirements vary by statue?
Not all employers are covered by each of the Department’s statutes and thus may not be required to post a specific notice.