Missouri Division of Labor Laws

• Labor laws in MissouriWorker image by Catabu from Fotolia.com
  
  The Missouri Department of Labor has enacted several laws related to workers in Missouri. For example, Missouri has laws on minimum wages, sexual harassment, unemployment, workers compensation and wage reduction or deduction.
  
  

Minimum and Prevailing Wages

• As of January 1, 2007, the Missouri minimum wage was set to no less than $7.25 per hour for the first 40 hours worked in one week. After 40 hours, the employee is entitled to overtime calculated at one and a half times the regularly hourly rate. The lowest possible hourly rate for overtime in Missouri is $11.88 per hour. Missouri also has a Minimum Prevailing Wage Law that established a minimum rate for construction projects that benefit the community, such as work performed on bridges, roads or within state government buildings. Missouri's prevailing minimum wage varies by county.
  
  

Reducing and Deducting Wages

• A Missouri employer can reduce an employee's wages under the law as long as the employee is given a written notice of the change at least 30 days before the new rate goes into effect; however, this requirement does not apply if the employee changes positions or is asked to work fewer hours. Additionally, employers can deduct funds from an employee's earnings to recover registrar shortages, to replace or fix damaged equipment and to cover cash advances or loans made to the employee. The deductions must be spread out in such a way to ensure the employee is never making less than minimum wage.
  
  

Lunch Breaks

• Missouri law does not require an employer to give any break during the work day, including a lunch or dinner break. Breaks are left completely to the discretion of the employer.
  
  

Minor Employment

• Youth under 14 are not permitted to work in Missouri unless it is in the entertainment industry. Youths ages 14 to 17 are permitted to work but under several restrictions such as the number of hours per day or per week worked, what time of day and what type of jobs may be performed. Restrictions vary by age.