HARRISBURG – Gov. Edward G. Rendell reminded Pennsylvania businesses and workers that the federally mandated minimum wage will increase to $7.25 per hour on July 24.
Prior exemptions granted to small businesses — those who employ the equivalent of 10 or fewer full-time workers — ended more than one year ago, and these employees will be entitled to the new federal minimum wage. Additionally, a 60-day training wage paid to employees 20 years old and younger may no longer be used after July 23.
“During these challenging economic times, the federal minimum wage increase is good news for some of the hardest-working men and women in Pennsylvania,” Rendell said. “I am pleased that this increase is going into effect, and that our citizens who need it will receive better compensation for their work.”
Exemptions for tipped employees, domestic service, farm labor and other types of employment remain in effect.
Updated minimum wage law information is readily available in a user-friendly format from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry online. A free, downloadable copy of the minimum wage poster that is required to be displayed by all employers in the state can also be found on the site, as well as a complaint form for workers who believe they may have been wrongly denied the appropriate wage.
