Utah is one of the states in the United States that has a unique set of employment laws that govern the rights and responsibilities of employees and employers. In this post, we will provide a brief overview of the key aspects of Utah employment law.
Minimum Wage: As of 2021, the minimum wage in Utah is $7.65 per hour for non-tipped employees and $2.13 per hour for tipped employees. The state does not have a separate minimum wage for minors.
Overtime Pay: Under Utah law, non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay if they work more than 40 hours in a workweek. The overtime rate is 1.5 times the regular rate of pay.
Discrimination and Harassment: Utah law prohibits discrimination and harassment in the workplace based on race, color, national origin, gender, pregnancy, religion, age (40 or older), disability, and genetic information. Employers are also prohibited from retaliating against employees who report or oppose discrimination.
Leave Laws: Utah does not have a state-specific family and medical leave law. However, eligible Utah employees may be entitled to 12 weeks of job-protected leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) depending on the size of the company.
At-Will Employment: Utah is an “at-will” employment state, which means that either the employer or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time for any reason (unless a contract specifies otherwise) or if the termination is based on a protected class, or for retaliatory reasons such as whistleblower issues or violation of public policy.
Final Thoughts: It is important for both employers and employees to be aware of the employment laws in Utah in order to maintain a fair and healthy workplace. Employers should have policies in place that comply with state and federal employment laws, and employees should familiarize themselves with their rights and responsibilities under these laws.
This post provides a general overview of Utah employment law and is not intended as legal advice. If you have specific questions or concerns, it is advisable to consult with our Utah law firm and Utah employment law attorney.
Brian K. Jackson, LLC 