Missouri ( MO ) Wage and Hour Laws

Missouri (MO) wage and hour laws are set in place to help provide fair working conditions for all employees. These laws also serve as a guide for employers.

There is a debate within the state of Missouri to raise the minimum wage of $5.15 per hour to $6.15 per hour. If this is the case, the new increase established by Missouri (MO) wage and hour laws will be officially higher than the current federal minimum wage. Those employers exempt from paying workers the minimum wage include those with gross sales of less than $500,000 and those of the agricultural industry.

There is also talk in the federal government of raising the minimum wage from $5.15 per hour to $7.25 per hour. If this causes a discrepancy between the state of Missouri and the federal government the higher of the two wages will be paid to workers. For the time being, however, the minimum wage of Missouri is as mentioned above.

One unique provision made by Missouri (MO) wage and hour laws is that of an employer’s right to pay an employer a lower wage. However, if an employer decreases a Missouri worker’s wages that worker must be informed 30 days in advance. Furthermore, employers cannot under any circumstances pay eligible employees less than minimum wage.

According to Missouri (MO) wage and hour laws employers are not required to give employees meal or rest breaks. However, many employees will give these breaks in order to increase company productivity.

Missouri (MO) wage and hour laws also state that employers are allowed to make overtime hours mandatory. If an employee refuses to work overtime hours that worker can be terminated. However, if an employee is scheduled to work overtime the employer must pay that employee one and a half times more than the regular rate of pay normally given.

Missouri (MO) wage and hour laws have no requirements regarding fringe benefits such as holiday or vacation pay. These are offered by employers at will.
It is advised that all employers and employees stay informed regarding Missouri (MO) wage and hour laws. These were created for the protection of workers, businesses, and other industries.