For instance, the minimum wage in Montana is currently $8.75 per hour, but it will rise to $9.00 per hour in 2021. Although Montana does not have a $15 minimum wage, there are laws in place to guard against overworking employees. With only a few exceptions, such as emergencies or where the employer has made a sincere effort to hire more workers, mandatory overtime is generally illegal in Montana.
State rules governing workers’ compensation also differ. No-fault workers’ compensation is the law in Montana, so injured employees are entitled to payments regardless of who caused their injuries. This covers medical benefits, pay loss benefits, and benefits for career development. But for an injury to qualify for workers compensation, it must have happened while the person was engaged in work-related activities.
The federal minimum wage is now fixed at $7.25 per hour in terms of minimum wage regulations. However, many states now have minimum wage laws that are higher than the federal requirement. By 2021, 29 states and Washington, D.C., will have minimum wage regulations that are higher than the federal standard. In Washington D.C., the minimum wage is $15.20 per hour, while it is $8.50 per hour in Michigan.
Georgia finally holds the distinction of having the state with the lowest minimum wage. Only $5.15 is the minimum pay in Georgia, which is less than the federal minimum wage. Employers in Georgia are obligated to pay the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, therefore this minimum wage is primarily symbolic.
Despite the fact that just a handful of states have adopted a $15 minimum wage, several other states have increased their minimum wage to varied degrees. To make sure they are getting paid appropriately for their labor, employees should be aware of the minimum wage and workers compensation rules in their state.