Delaware ( DE ) Wage and Hour Laws

Delaware (DE) wage and hour laws make it possible for both employers and employees in Delaware to benefit from improved working conditions. Several provisions are made by these laws.

For instance, Delaware (DE) wage and hour laws include provisions for employee breaks. Those who work 7 ½ hours or more per day must be given at least a 30 minute break. Penalties are given to employers who do not provide adequate break times.

The minimum wage for Delaware workers will be $6.15 until December 2006 and then will rise to $6.65 per hour starting January 2007, and then to $7.15 per hour in 2008. Some workers are exempt from receiving the standard the minimum wage. For example, those with disabilities may be paid lower than minimum wage in some cases. Likewise, students and apprentices are not required to receive minimum wage by an employer.

Delaware (DE) wage and hour laws state that employers must pay the premium pay for overtime hours worked. Delaware employers usually abide by the federal overtime standards and there are certain exemptions for overtime pay. Usually the rate is 1 ½ times the regular rate of pay for any hours worked over 40 in a regular work week.

Another function of Delaware (DE) wage and hour laws is to help protect minors. For instance, minors who are only 14-15 years of age are only allowed to work up to 4 hours a night on a school night. Another example of a provision that would protect minors is the one that states that 16-17 year olds must have at least 8 hours of free time within a 24-hour period on days they attend school.

Delaware (DE) wage and hour laws exist to help ensure that working conditions are as fair for everyone as possible. Provisions are made by these laws as well for people who believe they have not been treated fairly. Penalties are given to employers who do not abide by state or federal wage and hour laws.