On January 1, 2009, the Montana minimum wage will increase by 35 cents, from $6.55 to $6.90 per hour. Montana law requires a cost-of-living increase to the state minimum wage.
The increase is announced each year no later than September 30, based on the Consumer Price Index or CPI for the previous 12 months. This year’s increase is 5.4% of the 2008 minimum wage of $6.55 per hour.
“This gives those Montanans who are struggling to keep up with higher energy and food prices some much needed help, “says Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly. Recently the National Association of State Work Force Agencies awarded Kelly the prestigious Eagle Award. “As the nation’s economy continues to struggle, we know that here in Montana, we’re doing everything we can to minimize the impact.”
According to the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, more than 70% of state voters supported the increase in the minimum wage, voting in favor of Initiative 151 in 2006.
The minimum wage for many Montana employees will increase again on July 24, 2009. On that date, the federal minimum wage will increase by 70 cents, from $6.55 per hour to $7.25 per hour.
The Montana Department of Labor & Industry enforces a number of state labor laws, including laws regarding collective bargaining for nurses and firefighters. The agency also enforces Montana laws against employment of youths under the age of 18 as bartenders, employment of undocumented workers, and prohibition of lie detector tests in private employment. Montana also has a law prohibiting discrimination against employees who use a lawful product during off-work hours.
Every Montana employer is required to prominently display a number of labor law posters, including the Montana minimum wage poster. Employers are also required to post proof of workers’ compensation coverage and proof of unemployment insurance coverage. Failure to do so can result in citations, fines and penalties.
