NJSS

Uniforms and Deductions

• Deductions to an employee’s paycheck are not permitted.
• These unpermitted deductions are commonly seen as:
  • Missing or a shortage of cash (register) or merchandise
  • Employer required uniforms
  • Necessary work tools
• If a uniform cannot be worn as street clothes – for example, it has a company logo-- then it must be provided and paid for by the employer.
• Deductions are illegal if they:
  • Reduce wages of employees below minimum wage or reduce the amount of overtime pay due; and,
  • Purchase personal protective equipment/gear (PPE) required for the worker to prevent exposure to hazards.

Wage

• United States (Federal) Minimum Wage = $7.25
• New Jersey Minimum Wage = $14.13 (as of 1/1/2023)
  • The minimum wage is expected to rise again 1/1/2019.
  • Any job in New Jersey (NJ) must pay the NJ minimum wage.
• When working for tips, the tips must equal the legal minimum wage for your state.
  • Example: Minimum wage $2.13 + tip credit up to $6.47 per hour = $8.60