Hello All! We here at Pardalis & Nohavicka LLP want to wish everyone a Happy New Year! Each new year always brings change and growth, and with that in mind, we wanted to share some of the latest developments in New York wage and hour law with you, so the new year finds you well prepared.
There are many new changes to minimum wage pay within New York. As of December 31, 2016, New York City businesses that have at least 11 or more employees should begin paying their employees at least $11.00 per hour. City businesses that have 10 or fewer employees should pay their employees at least $10.50 per hour. For the rest of the state, on December 31, 2016, the minimum wage increased from $9.00 to $9.70. All of these latest increases are part of a plan drafted by Governor Mario Cuomo to ensure all workers receive a "fair day's pay for a fair day's work." It is worth noting that the tip-credit rate for tipped employees in the food service industry remains the same throughout New York State in 2017; that is $7.50 per hour.
Further, as of December 1, 2016, the monetary threshold for exemptions to overtime pay has also been increased. Before, to be exempt from overtime pay requirements in New York, an employee had to be employed in an executive or administrative capacity, and be compensated on a salary basis of at least $675/week. On December 1, that amount was changed to $913/week or $47,476.00 per year throughout all US states. What that means is that even if you work in an administrative or executive capacity and are compensated on a salary basis, you are still entitled to overtime pay for hours worked over 40 hours per week if your salary is less $913 per week.
All of us here at Pardalis & Nohavicka LLP are happy to provide you with further information and represent you with your labor law issues. We wish you all the best and a happy, healthy, and successful new year to come!
VERY TRULY YOURS,
TASO PARDALIS, JOSEPH NOHAVICKA, AND THE REST OF THE TEAM AT PARDALIS & NOHAVICKA LLP