Hello

My son works in a small restaurant as a dishwasher and his current wage is $7.00 per hour.

I know that the minimum wage for Massachusetts went up to $7.50 from $6.75 on January 1, 2007.

Does this mean that his wage should have increased?

Are restaurants exempt in anyway?

He wanted me to ask before he talks to his employer about the increase.

Thank you

Restaurants are not exempt, but depending on how old your son is, he might be.

In some states (as well as under Federal child labor laws) there is a different, lower minimum wage for minors. While I am also in MA, I am not in a situation where I ever have to hire minors, so I don't know offhand if MA is one of them. In addition, due (no doubt) to the recent inauguration of a new AG, the appropriate state website is down (I'm sure for "renovations").

If no one here knows for certain, call the AG's office Fair Employment Hotline for a definite answer.

I'm sorry, I led you a stray with my use of 'Son" He actually turned 18 in October.

So what would be the case for an adult? They would be due the increase?

I can't think of any reason why an 18 year old would not be entitled to the full minimum wage.

Great, thanks.

I will have him raise the issue, the next time he goes back to work.

There is a Federal Youth Minimum Wage Program which covers the first 90 days of work for a person under 20, and the rate is $4.25 vs. $5.15.

BUT MA min. wage is now $7.50, and there is no "youth" provision, so your son should get the new rate.

BUT, if your son works in a restaurant, and is a "tipped employee," the rate is lower ($2.63).



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No, he is not a tipped employee, my guess is that the family that runs the restaurant just don't realize the wage went up. Not sure why the company that does the pauroll wouldn't have picked up on it though.

But he he going to bring the subject up when he goes to work tonight.

Thank you for your respomse.