This E-Alert is a reminder that the minimum wage in North Carolina will be increased to $6.15 per hour, effective January 1, 2007.  As noted in the E-Alert distributed on July 31, 2006, the minimum wage increase applies to all employees, except those designated in the statute as exempt.  The exemptions include agricultural workers and babysitters, some entertainment workers and pages in the General Assembly of governor’s office.  Additionally, employees who are exempt from the minimum wage and overtime provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act are also exempt from the state minimum wage requirements.  There are also changes in the wage requirements for tipped employees.  Employers who have tipped employees should contact counsel for assistance in determining the impact this wage increase will have on their tipped employees.

As a result of the minimum wage increase, the North Carolina Labor Laws poster that employers are required to post will be changed to reflect the new minimum wage.  We have been informed by the North Carolina Department of Labor that the posters are not yet available.  Employers can call the Department of Labor and be put on a waitlist for the new poster once the posters become available (800-NC-LABOR).  Once available, a temporary copy of the poster can be printed directly from the Department’s website and a permanent copy can be ordered online (http://www.dol.state.nc.us/posters/posters.htm).