Wages, Hours and Fair Labor Standards
Legal Information
This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Wages, Hours and Fair Labor Standard issues in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Know Your Employment Rights!
Information from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia on employment rights including wages, unemployment compensation, family and medical leave, discrimination, workplace injuries, and unions. (January 2014)
Philadelphia Wage Theft Complaints
Starting July 1, 2016 Employees will be able to file official wage thief complaints with the City of Philadelphia’s Wage Theft Coordinator. This information from Community Legal Services explains the process. (2016)
Minimum Wage and Overtime Complaint Form
This form from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry is used to file complaints under the Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act of 1968. In an effort to expedite your complaint, the Bureau of Labor Law Compliance encourages you to take advantage of the online or electronic submission of the complaint form, but you may choose instead to return a hardcopy version of this form.
Magisterial District Judge Court - Filing Suit
This information from Northwestern Legal Services provides instructions on how to file a lawsuit in Magisterial District Judge Court.
How to Sue At the Office of the Magisterial District Judge
Information from MidPenn Legal Services on how to file suit on small claims in your local Office of the Magisterial District Judge. (July 2012)
Wage Complaint Form
This form is used to file complaints under the Pennsylvania Wage Payment and Collection Law. In an effort to expedite your complaint, the Bureau of Labor Law Compliance encourages you to take advantage of the online or electronic submission of the complaint form but you may also choose instead to return a hardcopy version of this form.
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
Explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
How to File a Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis
This video from Laurel Legal Services provides an explanation of what In Forma Pauperis is (a request to file legal papers without having to pay the filing fee because you cannot afford to pay the fees) and line-by-line instructions on completing a petition to request permission to proceed without paying filing fees.
Where to File a Claim for Wages
A claim for unpaid wages can be filed with the U.S. Department of Labor, Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, or Municipal Court. This chart lists information to help you determine where the claim should be filed. (August 2013)
Minimum Wage and Overtime Complaint Form
This form from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry is used to file complaints under the Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act of 1968. In an effort to expedite your complaint, the Bureau of Labor Law Compliance encourages you to take advantage of the online or electronic submission of the complaint form, but you may choose instead to return a hardcopy version of this form.
Downloadable Forms from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry
Links to downloadable forms from the PA Department of Labor and Industry.
Wage Complaint Form
This form is used to file complaints under the Pennsylvania Wage Payment and Collection Law. In an effort to expedite your complaint, the Bureau of Labor Law Compliance encourages you to take advantage of the online or electronic submission of the complaint form but you may also choose instead to return a hardcopy version of this form.
Federal Court Finder
Find a federal court location by location or court name, including appellate, district, bankruptcy, probation and pretrial office, or federal defender organization. Each District Court has its own local forms which are generally available on the Court website.
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
Explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
How to File a Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis
This video from Laurel Legal Services provides an explanation of what In Forma Pauperis is (a request to file legal papers without having to pay the filing fee because you cannot afford to pay the fees) and line-by-line instructions on completing a petition to request permission to proceed without paying filing fees.
Wages and Hours
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services Association on wage and hour issues including how to file a complaint.
Pennsylvania Employment Law Information (Audio-MP3)
Episode of Northwestern Legal Services' "Access to Justice" Radio show broadcast on JET 1400 AM in Erie, PA on 5/31/07. information on PA Employment Law such as wage cases and barriers to employment such as a criminal record. (28:08)
Know Your Employment Rights!
Information from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia on employment rights including wages, unemployment compensation, family and medical leave, discrimination, workplace injuries, and unions. (January 2014)
Philadelphia Wage Theft Complaints
Starting July 1, 2016 Employees will be able to file official wage thief complaints with the City of Philadelphia’s Wage Theft Coordinator. This information from Community Legal Services explains the process. (2016)
Magisterial District Judge Court - Filing Suit
This information from Northwestern Legal Services provides instructions on how to file a lawsuit in Magisterial District Judge Court.
How to Sue At the Office of the Magisterial District Judge
Information from MidPenn Legal Services on how to file suit on small claims in your local Office of the Magisterial District Judge. (July 2012)
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
Explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
How to File a Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis
This video from Laurel Legal Services provides an explanation of what In Forma Pauperis is (a request to file legal papers without having to pay the filing fee because you cannot afford to pay the fees) and line-by-line instructions on completing a petition to request permission to proceed without paying filing fees.
Monday Minute: Wage Theft
$32 million dollars is stolen from Pennsylvanians every week because of #WageTheft. In this week's Monday Minute, CLS attorney Nadia Hewka discusses the issue of wage theft, who gets targeted, and individual & policy solutions. (July 2019)
Where to File a Claim for Wages
A claim for unpaid wages can be filed with the U.S. Department of Labor, Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, or Municipal Court. This chart lists information to help you determine where the claim should be filed. (August 2013)
Small Claims Court
Information from the Erie County Bar Association on the operation of the Magisterial District Court in Pennsylvania.
Wage and Hours Issues
Information on wage and hour issues from the Erie County Bar Association
Minimum Wage Law Summary
This summary from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry sets forth the Minimum Wage and Overtime Rate for employees. It also sets forth compliance-related duties for the Department of Labor & Industry and for employers. [PDF]
Fair Labor Standards Act Advisor
The Fair Labor Standards Act Advisor, from the United States Department of Labor, provides employers and employees with the information they need to understand Federal minimum wage, overtime, child labor and recordkeeping requirements. The child labor section answers questions from youth, parents, teachers and employers about Federal child labor rules. This Advisor was developed by the Wage and Hour Division.
Fair Labor Standards Act Advisor - Frequently Asked Questions
These Questions and Answers are part of the FLSA Advisor of the United States Department of Labor. The Advisor helps you learn more about the minimum wage, overtime pay, child labor and record keeping laws enforced by the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor.
Frequently Asked Questions - Minimum Wage
Quick answers to commonly asked questions about the minimum wage from the United States Department of Labor.
General Wage & Hour Questions
Frequently asked questions from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry on wage & hour requirements in Pennsylvania.
Minimum Wage and Overtime Complaint Form
This form from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry is used to file complaints under the Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act of 1968. In an effort to expedite your complaint, the Bureau of Labor Law Compliance encourages you to take advantage of the online or electronic submission of the complaint form, but you may choose instead to return a hardcopy version of this form.
The Employment of Workers with Disabilities at Special Minimum Wages
Fact Sheet from United States Department of Labor is on Section 14(c) of the FLSA which authorizes employers, after receiving a certificate from the Wage and Hour Division, to pay special minimum wages, less than the Federal minimum wage, to workers who have disabilities. [PDF] (July 2008)
Wage and Hour Fact Sheets
Fact Sheets from the United States Department of Labor on a variety of topics relating to wage and hour issues.
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Minimum Wage Poster
Poster from the United States Department of Labor outlining current minimum wage requirements.
PA Courts Public Access Policy - Filing Requirements in the Courts (Video)
Effective on January 6, 2018, a new Public Access Policy is in effect in Pennsylvania Courts. This policy imposes requirements on anyone filing court documents in the trial and appellate courts to safeguard information in the documents they file. The Pennsylvania Courts have released this series of videos that explain the judiciary’s new policy for protecting confidential information and the required steps you must take to protect that information when filing documents in the courts.
Downloadable Forms from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry
Links to downloadable forms from the PA Department of Labor and Industry.
Fact Sheet #40: Overview of Youth Employment (Child Labor) Provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for Agricultural Occupations
This booklet from the United States Department of Labor provides information about the legal protections that apply to children working in farm jobs. [PDF] (December 2016)
Pennsylvania's Minimum Wage Law
Information from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry about Pennsylvania's minimum wage requirements, effective January 2007.
Questions and Answers about the Minimum Wage
Questions and Answers from the United States Department of Labor about the Minimum Wage
Wage Complaint Form
This form is used to file complaints under the Pennsylvania Wage Payment and Collection Law. In an effort to expedite your complaint, the Bureau of Labor Law Compliance encourages you to take advantage of the online or electronic submission of the complaint form but you may also choose instead to return a hardcopy version of this form.
Wage and Hour Division, U.S. Department of Labor
Website of the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor.
Minimum Wage, Recordkeeping and Youth Employment Requirements of U.S. Law Applicable to Foreign Commercial Vehicle Operators and Helpers
This fact sheet from the United States Department of Labor provides general information about the the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) concerning federal minimum wage, record keeping and child labor requirements that apply to foreign commercial vehicle operators and their helpers who work in United States territory. (July 2009)
Homeworkers under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
This Fact Sheet from the United States Department of Labor provides general information concerning the application of the FLSA to homeworkers. (July 2008)
Hotels and Motel Establishments under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
This fact sheet from the United States Department of Labor contains general information on how the FLSA applies to employees of hotels and motels. (January 2020)
Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA)
Information on the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA) from the United States Department of Labor. The MSPA protects migrant and seasonal agricultural workers by establishing employment standards related to wages, housing, transportation, disclosures and recordkeeping.
Residential Care Facilities (Group Homes) under the Fair Labor Standards Act
This fact sheet from the United States Department of Labor provides general information on minimum wage, overtime pay and child labor requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) as they apply to residential care facilities, including group homes, board and care facilities. (July 2008)
Restaurants and Fast Food Establishments under the Fair Labor Standards Act
This fact sheet from the United States Department of Labor provides general information concerning the application of the FLSA to employees of restaurants and fast food establishments. (December 2016)
The Construction Industry under the Fair Labor Standards Act
This fact sheet from the United States Department of Labor provides general information concerning the application of the FLSA to the construction industry. (July 2008)
The Home Health Care Industry under the Fair Labor Standards Act
This fact sheet from the United States Department of Labor provides general information concerning the application of the FLSA to the home health care industry.
Wage Statement (MSPA)
Properly filled out, this optional form will satisfy the requirements of sections 201 (d), (e), and (g) and sections 301 (c), (d), and (f) of the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA). This forms also satisfies statutory requirements under section 11 (c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Ways to receive your money
Information on the different ways you can receive your wages including advantages and disadvantages of each.
Child Labor Act Protections For Young Workers
Pennsylvania's Child Labor Act, enforced by L&I's Bureau of Labor Law Compliance, protects the health, safety, and welfare of minors employed in the commonwealth by limiting employment in certain establishments, restricting the hours of work, regulating work conditions, and requiring work permits for children hired to fill a position.
Know Your Rights: Child Labor (Video)
The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has developed the “Know Your Rights” video series in English and Spanish to provide workers with useful basic information in different scenarios that workers encounter in the workplace. This video explains how wage laws apply to young workers.
Know Your Rights: How to File a Wage Complaint (Video)
The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division has developed the “Know Your Rights” video series in English and Spanish to provide workers with useful basic information in different scenarios that workers encounter in the workplace. This video provides information about filing a complaint with the Wage and Hour Division.
Know Your Rights: Migrant and Seasonal Work (Video)
The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has developed the “Know Your Rights” video series in English and Spanish to provide workers with useful basic information in different scenarios that workers encounter in the workplace. This video provides important information for seasonal and migrant workers.
Know Your Rights: Minimum Wage (Video)
The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has developed the “Know Your Rights” video series in English and Spanish to provide workers with useful basic information in different scenarios that workers encounter in the workplace. This video provides some important information about Minimum Wage laws.
Know Your Rights: Misclassification as Independent Contractor (Video)
The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has developed the “Know Your Rights” video series in English and Spanish to provide workers with useful basic information in different scenarios that workers encounter in the workplace. This video discusses how to determine if you are an employee or independent contractor.
Know Your Rights: Off-the-Clock Hours (Video)
The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has developed the “Know Your Rights” video series in English and Spanish to provide workers with useful basic information in different scenarios that workers encounter in the workplace. This video provides information about your right to be paid for off-the-clock hours of work.
Know Your Rights: Overtime (Video)
The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has developed the “Know Your Rights” video series in English and Spanish to provide workers with useful basic information in different scenarios that workers encounter in the workplace. This video provides valuable information about Overtime pay requirements for workers.
Know Your Rights: Regular Pay (Video)
The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has developed the “Know Your Rights” video series in English and Spanish to provide workers with useful basic information in different scenarios that workers encounter in the workplace. This video contains information about your right to be paid on a regular schedule.
Youth Rules!
This website from the United States Department of Labor provides information on the laws relating to workers under the age of 18.
National Employment Law Project
Website of the National Employment Law Project. The Project works to promote policies and programs that create good jobs, strengthen upward mobility, enforce hard-won worker rights, and help unemployed workers regain their economic footing through improved benefits and services.
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
Explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.