Employee Regulations

Once you have made your employee selection(s) you will need to familiarize yourself with the federal and state employee regulations. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment regulates wages, hours and working conditions for employees.

• Minimum Wage: State minimum wage is $11.10 effective January 1, 2019. Minimum wage must be paid to all employees and emancipated minors whether employed on an hourly, piecework, commission, time, task, training or other basis.
• Overtime Pay: At least 1 1/2 times the employee’s regular rate of pay must be paid for all hours worked over 40 in one work week. In addition, State law requires overtime pay for any work after 12 consecutive hours. Any additional questions regarding work hours and overtime, please call or write the Colorado Division of Labor, Labor Standards Office, 633 17th Street, 2nd Floor Denver, CO 80202 or online at www.coworkforce.com.
• Federal Law: Pursuant to The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), whenever both laws apply and FLSA differs with Colorado law, the law providing more protection or setting the higher standard applies.
• Breaks: Employees working in the following four industries: (1) retail and service, (2) commercial service, (3) food and beverage, and (4) health and medical, are covered by the work order 22 and shall be permitted breaks and meal periods during the workday. The law requires at least a 10-minute break every four hours (or a major fraction thereof).A half-hour meal period is required for any shift exceeding five hours.
• Penalty: Failure to comply with Colorado Minimum Wage Order 22 is a misdemeanor and may be punishable by a fine or imprisonment. For additional information and postings, write the Colorado Division of Labor, Labor Standards Office, 633 17th Street 2nd Floor, Denver, CO 80202 or visit www.coworkforce.com.