In Pennsylvania, employers are tasked with the important responsibility of displaying workplace posters that communicate key labor laws to their employees. These include posters about workers' compensation, unemployment compensation, fair employment practices, and the state's own minimum wage act. While similar in their intent to inform and educate workers about their rights, Pennsylvania's posters have their own state-specific nuances, just as other states tailor their posters to local laws and regulations. For example, Pennsylvania has a unique poster for its Public Accommodation Laws, which might not be a common feature in other states' labor law poster requirements.
Emphasizing compliance with these poster regulations is more than a bureaucratic checkbox; it's a gesture of respect and transparency towards employees. It demonstrates an employer's commitment to a fair, safe, and legally compliant workplace, fostering a sense of trust and well-being among the workforce. Neglecting this responsibility can lead not only to legal penalties but also to a breach of the crucial trust relationship between employer and employee. Regularly updating and prominently displaying these posters is a straightforward yet impactful way for employers in Pennsylvania to underscore their commitment to a positive and lawful working environment.
The following state posters are required by the state of Pennsylvania:
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Required Posters |
These posters must be displayed in prominent locations within the workplace, such as break rooms or common areas, to ensure they are easily visible to all employees. Regular updates are necessary to ensure compliance with any changes in state laws.
Pennsylvania Required Workplace Posters
Abstract of the Child Labor Act Hours Provisions
Poster Summary
The Abstract of the Child Labor Act Hours Provisions in Pennsylvania provides information regarding the hours of employment and work time restrictions for minors.
Key points include:
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During the School Term:
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Minors may work a maximum of three hours on school days, eight hours on other days, and a total of 18 hours per school week (Monday-Friday).
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An additional eight hours are allowed on Saturdays and Sundays.
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During School Vacations:
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Minors may work a maximum of eight hours per day and 40 hours per week.
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Work Time Restrictions:
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Employment is prohibited after 7 p.m. and before 7 a.m., with exceptions during school vacations.
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Minors engaged in newspaper delivery or volunteer firefighting have specific time allowances.
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Age-Specific Guidelines:
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Minors aged 14 and 15 have specific hours and work time restrictions.
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Minors aged 16 and 17 have separate guidelines, with exceptions for certain circumstances.
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Posting and Compliance:
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Employers must conspicuously post this notice where any person under 18 is employed.
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The abstract provides contact information for inquiries and complaints, and advises individuals to consult the Department of Labor & Industry's website for further information.
Abstract of the Equal Pay Law
Poster Summary
The Abstract of the Equal Pay Law in Pennsylvania prohibits sex-based discrimination in wages.
Key points include:
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Prohibition of Discrimination:
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Employers cannot pay employees of one sex less than employees of the opposite sex for work requiring equal skills and performed under equal conditions.
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Variations in wages based on seniority, training, or merit increase systems that do not discriminate on the basis of sex are allowed.
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Administration and Record-Keeping:
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The Secretary of Labor & Industry is empowered to administer the law and issue rules and regulations.
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Employers must maintain records of wages, wage rates, job classifications, and terms and conditions of employment as prescribed by the Secretary.
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Collection of Unpaid Wages:
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Employees can collect unpaid wages owed under the law, along with liquidated damages, attorney's fees, and costs.
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The Secretary can assist employees in collecting these wage claims upon request.
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The period for taking action on such claims is limited to two years from the date of the violation.
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Penalties:
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Employers who willfully violate the law or discriminate against employees making complaints may face fines or imprisonment.
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Failure to keep records or interfere with the Secretary's enforcement duties can also result in penalties.
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More information about the Equal Pay Law is available online through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry's website.
Clean Indoor Air Act – No Smoking Signs
Poster Summary
The Clean Indoor Air Act in Pennsylvania documents outline the regulations and benefits of the Clean Indoor Air Act in Pennsylvania.
Key points include:
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Smoke-Free Environment: The Clean Indoor Air Act mandates that public places and workplaces must be smoke-free.
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Benefits of Smoke-Free Environments: A smoke-free environment benefits employees, customers, visitors, and proprietors by reducing health risks, improving employee morale, and lowering healthcare and maintenance costs.
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Secondhand Smoke: Secondhand smoke is a mixture of smoke exhaled by a smoker and smoke from the burning end of a cigarette, containing over 4,000 chemicals, 69 of which are cancer-causing.
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Compliance with the Law: Business owners, operators, and managers must inform employees and customers about the law, prohibit smoking in prohibited areas, and prominently post "No Smoking" signs.
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Clean Indoor Air Act Compliance Toolkit: The toolkit, available from the Pennsylvania Alliance to Control Tobacco (PACT), provides resources to help businesses comply with the law.
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Enforcement and Penalties: Violations of the law can result in penalties ranging from $250 to $1000.
Support for quitting smoking is available through the Pennsylvania Department of Health's cessation services and worksite programs.
Fair Employment
Poster Summary
The Fair Employment document explains the employment provisions of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.
Key points include:
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Purpose: The provisions aim to prevent and eliminate unlawful discriminatory practices in employment based on race, color, religion, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, disability, association with a disabled individual, possession of a diploma through a general education development test, or willingness or refusal to participate in abortion or sterilization.
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Unlawful Discriminatory Practices: It is unlawful for employers, labor unions, or employment agencies to deny equal opportunities for employment, promotion, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment, or to retaliate against individuals for filing complaints or participating in Commission proceedings.
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Parties Subject to the Act: The provisions apply to employers with four or more employees, labor organizations, and employment agencies.
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Complaint Filing: Complaints may be filed within 180 days by affected individuals, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, the Pennsylvania Attorney General, or employers whose employees hinder compliance.
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Parties Exempt from the Act: Exemptions apply to individuals employed in agriculture, domestic service, or in the personal residence of the employer, as well as individuals employed by their parents, spouses, or children.
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Posting Requirements: Employers, labor unions, and employment agencies subject to the Act must post this notice in a conspicuous location accessible to applicants, employees, or members.
The document provides contact information for the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission's executive offices and regional offices.
Hours of Work for Minors Under 18
Poster Summary
The Hours of Work for Minors Under 18 document in Pennsylvania provides a schedule for indicating the daily hours of work for minors.
Key points include:
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Applicable to Minors between 14 and 16 years of age:
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Minors in this age range may not be employed at times that interfere with regular school attendance.
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School hours must be included in the daily and weekly hours of work calculations.
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Certification and Posting:
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The schedule should be completed, certified as true and correct, and posted in a conspicuous place at the establishment.
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The document includes space for the manager's signature, the establishment's address, the name of the employee, and a weekly summary of school hours and total hours worked.
Minimum Wage Law Summary
Poster Summary
The Minimum Wage Law Summary in Pennsylvania establishes a fixed minimum wage and overtime rate for employees. Key points include:
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Minimum Wage Rate: $7.25 per hour, effective July 24, 2009.
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Overtime Rate: Workers must be paid 1.5 times their regular rate of pay for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek.
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Tipped Employees: Employers may pay a minimum of $2.83 per hour to tipped employees who make at least $30.00 per month in tips. If tips and $2.83 per hour do not meet the minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference.
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Record-Keeping: Employers must maintain accurate records of each employee's earnings and hours worked.
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Penalties: Failure to comply with the minimum wage law may result in payment of back wages and other civil or criminal actions.
The document outlines exceptions and special allowances for certain employment classifications, learners, students, and individuals with disabilities.
Employers are required to post this summary in a conspicuous place and maintain compliance with the Minimum Wage Act. Additional information and resources are available through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry's website.
Unemployment Compensation
Poster Summary
The Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation (UC-700) document provides information regarding unemployment benefits in Pennsylvania.
Key points include:
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Registration: Employers must register with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation (UC) Law.
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UC Benefits: The UC Law provides income to individuals who are either partially or totally unemployed due to no fault of their own.
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Applying for Benefits: If you become unemployed or your hours are reduced, your employer may provide you with a completed Form UC-1609, which explains how to apply for UC benefits.
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Important Note: File a new claim or reopen an existing claim during the first week of unemployment to avoid losing some benefit eligibility.
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Application Requirements: To file an application for UC benefits, you will need to provide your personal information, employment details, and Social Security Number.
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Filing Options: Applications can be filed online at www.uc.pa.gov or by contacting the UC Service Center at 888-313-7284. TTY: (Hearing Impaired) at 888-334-4046.
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Reporting Earnings: When claiming UC benefits, report any gross wages earned during the week for which benefits are claimed. Failure to report work and earnings accurately may result in criminal penalties.
The document emphasizes the importance of contacting the UC Service Center for any questions or problems related to UC claims.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Poster Summary
The Workers' Compensation Insurance document in Pennsylvania provides information related to workers' compensation benefits.
Key points include:
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Unemployment Compensation (UC) Law: The UC Law provides income during periods of unemployment or reduced hours due to lack of work.
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Filing for UC Benefits: To apply for UC benefits, you need to provide your Social Security Number, complete mailing and home address, employment information, and other relevant details. Applications can be submitted online at www.uc.pa.gov or by contacting the UC Service Center.
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Reporting Wages: When claiming UC benefits, report gross wages earned during the week for which benefits are claimed to avoid issues of unreported work and earnings.
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Penalties: Making false statements or withholding information to obtain UC benefits is a criminal offense and can result in penalties such as fines, imprisonment, restitution, and loss of future benefits.
The document emphasizes the importance of seeking assistance from the UC Service Center for any questions or problems related to UC claims.
Important: Local jurisdictions in Pennsylvania may have additional posting requirements. Employers must contact their local jurisdiction for specifics.
Federal Workplace Posters
Additionally, Pennsylvania employers must display the following federally required posters, which can be downloaded here.
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Private employers, state and local governments, and educational institutions |
Federal Contractors |
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Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) |
Employee Rights on Government Contracts |
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Employee Rights for Workers with Disabilities/Special Minimum Wage |
Workers Rights Under Davis-Bacon Act |
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E-Verify Participation |
Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act |
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E-Verify Right to Work |
Pay Transparency for Nondiscrimination Provision |
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Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) |
Your Rights Under the Energy Reorganization Act |
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Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) |
Workers Rights Under Executive Order 13658 |
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Job Safety and Health: It's the Law Workplace |
Workers Rights Under Executive Order 13706 |
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Know Your Rights |
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Your Rights Under USERRA |
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Agricultural employers and farm labor contractors:
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