The U.S. Department of Labor administers and enforces more than 180 federal laws that cover workplace activities for about 165 million workers and 11 million workplaces. Many of these labor laws require employers to display posters in the workplace informing employees of their rights and responsibilities under the laws.
This guide provides an overview of the labor law posters that most businesses must display, including federal, state, and industry-specific requirements. Below is an outline of some of the most significant labor law posters relevant to most businesses and workers.
Federally Required Labor Law Posters
All U.S. businesses covered by federal labor laws must display certain posters in a location where employees can easily access them, such as break rooms or near areas where employees congregate. The six mandatory federal posters include:
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Minimum Wage Poster
- Displays the federal minimum wage rate ($7.25 per hour as of 2025, but subject to change)
- Provides information on overtime pay (1.5x the hourly wage for hours worked beyond 40 per week)
- Includes child labor laws and recordkeeping requirements
- Required for most private, state, and local government employers
- Agricultural employees, federal contractors, state/local government employees
- Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) Poster
- Informs employees that employers cannot require or request lie detector tests as a condition of employment
- Explains employee rights and employer obligations under the EPPA
- Required for nearly all private businesses, except those in security services and pharmaceuticals
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Poster “Know Your Rights”
- Summarizes federal anti-discrimination laws enforced by the EEOC
- Covers discrimination protections based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age (40+), and genetic information
- Explains how employees can report discrimination
- Required for employers with 15+ employees
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Poster
- Details employee rights to take unpaid leave for qualifying family and medical reasons
- Covers job protection during leave and continuation of health benefits
- Required for employers with 50+ employees
- Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) “Job Safety and Health: It’s the Law” Poster
- Explains employee rights to a safe workplace and how to report hazards
- Outlines employer responsibilities, such as providing a hazard-free work environment
- Required for most private employers in industries covered by OSHA
- Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) Poster
- Informs employees of their rights regarding military service and reemployment
- Protects employees from discrimination based on military obligations
- Required for all employers, including federal contractors
Commonly Required State-Specific Posters
Each state has its own labor law posting requirements. Employers must check state laws and ensure they display all applicable posters. The most common state-specific posters include:
- Minimum Wage Posters
- Displays the state-mandated minimum wage rate (often higher than the federal minimum)
- Includes tipped employee wage regulations where applicable
- Updated annually in states with minimum wage increases
- Unemployment Insurance Poster
- Provides instructions on how employees can file for unemployment benefits if they lose their job
- Lists eligibility criteria and contact information for the state unemployment office
- Required for all employers who pay into state unemployment insurance
- Workers’ Compensation Poster
- Explains employee rights to medical care and wage replacement for workplace injuries
- Provides claim filing instructions and employer responsibilities
- Required for all businesses with employees
- Discrimination Posters
- State-specific versions of the EEO poster, often with additional protections (e.g., protections for LGBTQ+ employees, pregnancy accommodations, or fair hiring laws)
- Outlines how employees can file a complaint with the state labor department
- Paid Sick Time Poster
- Explains state-mandated sick leave policies, including accrual rates and usage rights
- Some states require a separate poster for cities with local paid sick leave laws
- Paid Family and Medical Leave Poster
- Covers paid leave benefits for employees caring for a newborn, a sick relative, or recovering from a medical condition
- Required in states with Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) programs
Other Common Labor Law Posters
Some additional posters are required based on industry, state, or city ordinances:
- No Smoking Posters – Required in workplaces that must enforce no-smoking policies
- Emergency Contact & Evacuation Plans – Recommended by OSHA for workplace safety
- Human Trafficking Awareness Posters – Required in industries such as hospitality, transportation, and food service in some states
The Importance of Displaying Labor Law Posters in the Workplace
Labor law posters serve as a crucial point of reference for workers, ensuring they understand minimum wage laws, workplace safety standards, and benefits they may be entitled to, such as paid sick leave and family medical leave.
Failure to comply with posting requirements can lead to fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars per violation, depending on the federal or state agency enforcing the rule. More importantly, a lack of visible labor law posters can contribute to workplace disputes, legal complaints, and distrust between employers and employees.
By keeping labor law posters up to date and prominently displayed, businesses foster respect, trust, and a healthier workplace culture.
LaborLawCenter offers comprehensive labor law posters and compliance services to businesses of all sizes, ensuring adherence to federal, state, and OSHA regulations. Our products include laminated posters, digital solutions for remote workers, and an Automatic Poster Replacement Service. Our compliance and satisfaction guarantee fortifies our commitment to being your partner in workplace labor law compliance.
