In November 2006, Ohio voters approved Statewide Issue 2. Issue 2, an Amendment to Ohio’s Constitution, raised Ohio’s minimum wage effective January 1, 2007. Under the Ohio Amendment, Ohio’s minimum wage adjusts annually to reflect inflation as tracked by changes to the consumer price index. Ohio’s minimum wage is set to increase by 30 cents, to $7.70 per hour, on January 1, 2012. The federal minimum wage rate will remain at $7.25 per hour. Most Ohio employers will be subject to the new minimum wage; however, small employers with revenues under $283,000 will not be. Employees under 16 also do not have to be paid at the Ohio minimum wage rate. Tipped employees will have to be paid a wage of at least $3.85 per hour.
The Ohio Amendment also requires employers to maintain certain payroll information and provide it, free of charge, to their employees upon request. Moreover, employers must furnish new employees with certain information – including the employer’s name, address, telephone number, email address, website, fax number, and the name and address of the employer’s statutory agent. Employers must keep this information current and provide updates to current employees within 60 days of a change.
Labor & Employment Developments 