8 Essential Colorado Labor Laws You Should Know

As an employer or employee in Colorado, it's essential to understand the labor laws that govern the workplace. These laws are designed to protect workers' rights, ensure fair compensation, and promote a safe and healthy work environment. In this article, we'll explore eight essential Colorado labor laws you should know.

Colorado's labor laws are enforced by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), which is responsible for investigating complaints, providing guidance to employers, and enforcing state labor laws. Whether you're a small business owner or an employee, understanding these laws can help you navigate the workplace with confidence.

1. Minimum Wage Law

Colorado's minimum wage law requires employers to pay employees a minimum wage of $12.32 per hour, effective January 1, 2022. This rate applies to most employees, including those who work for private employers, state and local governments, and non-profit organizations. Employers must also pay overtime to employees who work more than 40 hours in a workweek, unless exempt.

Tipped Employees

Colorado law allows employers to pay tipped employees a lower minimum wage, as long as the employee's tips make up the difference. Employers must pay tipped employees a minimum wage of $9.54 per hour, and the employee's tips must bring their total hourly wage to at least $12.32.

2. Overtime Pay Law

Colorado's overtime pay law requires employers to pay employees overtime for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. Overtime pay must be at least 1.5 times the employee's regular rate of pay. Employers must also provide employees with a 30-minute meal break after five consecutive hours of work.

Exemptions

Some employees are exempt from overtime pay, including:

• Executive, administrative, and professional employees
• Outside sales employees
• Certain computer employees
• Employees who work in a bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity

3. Paid Sick Leave Law

Colorado's paid sick leave law requires employers with 16 or more employees to provide paid sick leave to their employees. Employees must accrue at least one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 48 hours per year.

Eligibility

To be eligible for paid sick leave, employees must have worked for the employer for at least 30 days and have worked an average of 18 hours per week.

4. Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Law

Colorado's FAMLI law provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave per year. The law applies to employers with 10 or more employees and provides benefits for employees who need to care for a family member, bond with a new child, or address their own serious health condition.

Coverage

The FAMLI law provides partial wage replacement benefits to eligible employees, ranging from 65% to 90% of their average weekly wage.

5. Workers' Compensation Law

Colorado's workers' compensation law requires employers to provide workers' compensation insurance to their employees. The law provides benefits to employees who are injured on the job, including medical benefits, wage replacement benefits, and permanent disability benefits.

Coverage

The workers' compensation law applies to most employees in Colorado, including full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers.

6. Unemployment Insurance Law

Colorado's unemployment insurance law provides benefits to eligible employees who have lost their job through no fault of their own. The law requires employers to pay unemployment insurance premiums to fund the state's unemployment insurance program.

Eligibility

To be eligible for unemployment benefits, employees must have worked for a covered employer, earned a minimum amount of wages, and be actively seeking new employment.

7. Child Labor Law

Colorado's child labor law regulates the employment of minors in the state. The law sets minimum age requirements for employment, restricts the types of jobs minors can perform, and limits the hours minors can work.

Age Requirements

Minors under the age of 14 cannot work in most industries, except for babysitting, lawn care, or working for a parent's business. Minors between the ages of 14 and 17 can work in most industries, but are subject to restrictions on the types of jobs they can perform and the hours they can work.

8. Equal Pay for Equal Work Law

Colorado's equal pay for equal work law requires employers to pay employees equally for equal work, regardless of sex, gender identity, or other protected characteristics. The law prohibits employers from paying employees differently based on sex, unless the difference is based on a factor other than sex, such as education, training, or experience.

Exceptions

The law allows employers to pay employees differently based on a factor other than sex, such as a seniority system, a merit system, or a system that measures earnings by quantity or quality of production.

In conclusion, understanding Colorado's labor laws is essential for employers and employees alike. By knowing the laws that govern the workplace, you can ensure compliance, prevent disputes, and promote a fair and healthy work environment. If you have any questions or concerns about Colorado's labor laws, we encourage you to comment below or reach out to us for more information.

What is the minimum wage in Colorado?

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The minimum wage in Colorado is $12.32 per hour, effective January 1, 2022.

Who is eligible for paid sick leave in Colorado?

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Employees who have worked for an employer with 16 or more employees for at least 30 days and have worked an average of 18 hours per week are eligible for paid sick leave.

What is the purpose of the FAMLI law in Colorado?

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The FAMLI law provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave per year, allowing them to care for a family member, bond with a new child, or address their own serious health condition.