• There are numerous labor guidelines employers must be aware of in Michigan.question mark head image by chrisharvey from Fotolia.com
  
  Michigan has a variety of laws that protect workers of all ages, and ensure all employees are fairly compensated for their work. Although the various regulations can seem confusing, it is a good idea for all workers to have a basic understanding of the rules. The Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth enforces all labor laws in the state.
  
  

What is the minimum wage?

• Workers in Michigan must be paid a minimum of $7.40 per hour of work, which is 15 cents above the federal minimum wage. Employees receiving tips must be paid a base wage of $2.65 per hour. Tipped workers shall receive an average of at least $7.40 per hour when tips are combined with the base rate of $2.65 an hour. Minimum wage requirements are for any employer with two or more workers.
  
  

When is Overtime Pay required?

• Most people working more than 40 hours in a single work week must be paid overtime. The overtime rate is one-and-one-half times an employee's normal pay for each hour worked in excess of 40. Agricultural workers, and some jobs in the amusement and recreational industries, are exempt from overtime law if the business operates for less than seven months per year. An employer may, in some situations, offer a worker paid time off instead of paying overtime wages.
  
  

Can teens work while going to school?

• Teens who are 14 and 15 years old are limited to only working between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the school year. Minors 14 and 15 years of age may work until 9 p.m. during summer recess. Teens aged 16 and 17 years old can work between 6 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; but are limited to working only until 10:30 p.m. the rest of the week. Youth between 14 and 15 years of age cannot work more than three hours per day on school days, and may only work a maximum of eight hours on non-school days. Employees aged 16 and 17 years old cannot work more than ten hours in a single day and are limited to a maximum average per week of eight hours per day.
  
  

Do teens have to be paid minimum wage?

• As of July 2009, wages for teens fall under federal guidelines since the law states all workers must be paid the higher standard when comparing state and federal rules. The Michigan minimum wage amount for youth is less than the national standard--85 percent of the normal hourly minimum wage, in this case $6.29--thus all teenagers must be paid at least the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour. Employees less than 20 years old can be paid a training wage of no less than $4.25 per hour during their first 90 days on the job.
  
  

Where can employees file a complaint?

• Employees may file complaints concerning all labor-related issues with the Wage and Hour Division. Employers can be fined and ordered to pay unpaid wages if an investigation determines regulations were not followed.
  
  Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth
  
  Wage and Hour Division
  
  P.O. Box 30476
  
  Lansing, Michigan 48909
  
  517-322-1825
  
  michigan.gov