Everything You Need to Know About Ohio Paycheck Laws
Labor laws affect people’s day-to-day lives more than nearly any other law. Here’s everything you need to know about Ohio paycheck laws.
Ohio has set about dictating how often payments are made, what constitutes overtime, and what kinds of payment deliveries are valid among many other aspects of work compensation. Knowing what these rules are can help one determine if they are being cheated by their employer and how to correct any issues through the state.
The Basics of Payments
The first law to be familiar with is Ohio’s Statute 4113.15 which covers the frequency of payments. Employers are required to make payments at least twice a month. For anyone on the twice-a-month cycle, payments for the first half a month’s work must be paid by the first of the next month at the latest. Similarly, the second half of the month must be paid by the fifteenth day of the next month.
If an employee is absent during the typical day of payment, they may demand payment at any time after when they return. Depending on the profession, longer payment schedules may be granted as well.
Related: Ohio Wage & Hour FAQs
Next is Statute 4111.01 which specifies the two acceptable forms of payment: cash and checks convertible into cash at full face value. Direct deposit and payroll card methods aren’t prohibited either but cannot be required as the form of payment by an employer.
Deductions
The information above covers most payment interactions, but these can be complicated further depending on the circumstances of employment. Statute 4113.19 prevents wage deductions that the employee has not consented to, but in the case that an employee has consented to wage deductions, there are only certain reasons that deductions can be made. They are:
- Purchases of United States savings bonds or corporate stocks or bonds
- Charitable contributions
- Credit union savings or other regular savings programs
- Repayments of loans or other obligations
- Employees may also be required to buy their own equipment and uniforms when starting a new job. Payment of medical,
- physical, and drug tests, however, cannot be required as a hiring pre-condition.
Related: Ohio Labor Laws for Remote Workers
Wage Changes and Disputes
In the realm of disputes, there are fewer protections for workers. Wages can be reduced without any regulation on when or how the change is announced to the employees. Most information regarding payment schedules and fringe benefits are not required to be provided to employees either. Payments also remained fully unpaid during any wage disputes until a final decision has been made.
FAQs
How do I file a wage complaint?
To file a complaint, an employee must file out a form and mail it to the Ohio Department of Commerce.
How is overtime pay calculated?
Any hours worked over 40 per week must count for at least 1.5 times minimum wage.
Can deductions be made that bring the wage below minimum wage?
Deductions cannot bring the average wage for that week below the minimum wage.
Can I be required to pay for pre-employment training?
If the training is required, the employee must be paid at least minimum wage for the hours it takes.
Do employers have to provide paid time off?
Ohio does not require that companies provide paid time off although individual employers may offer extra benefits in this area.
What about unpaid commissions?
Unpaid commissions must be dealt with in small claims courts.
How long do I have to file a wage complaint?
Audits go back as far as two years. Anything past this will not be pursued by the state.
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If you or a loved one would like to learn more about Ohio Paycheck Laws, get your free consultation with one of our Employment Attorneys in Ohio today!