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Summary of differences between federal and state regulations
The federal Fair Labor Standards Act contains certain provisions in regard to compensation in terms of minimum wage, overtime, child labor and recordkeeping requirements. Corresponding state provisions will be found under those topic areas. States are free to adopt additional provisions that are not regulated by the federal government such as frequency of payday and wage deductions. These provisions are discussed in this section.
Frequency of payday
Corporations doing business in the state shall pay wages semimonthly. Corporations with an annual gross income of $500,000 or more shall pay their management level and executive exempt employees who earn a minimum gross annual salary of $25,000 a minimum of once each calendar month. §11-4-401
Wages – general provisions
It is illegal for an employer to discount employees’ wages more than 10% from the date of payment to the regular payday when payment is made before regular paydays. All employees are to be paid in currency or by check or electronic direct deposit. An employee may opt out of direct deposit and request payment by check by providing the employer with a written statement. An employee has the right to be paid in cash if the employer has ever paid the employee with a check drawn on an account with insufficient funds. §11-4-402
Payment by goods illegal
It is illegal for a company to coerce an employee to buy goods or supplies as payment of wages. §11-4-404
Deduction for medical exam
Employers may not deduct the cost of a medical exam or drug test required by the employer. However, if an employee tests positive for an illegal drug, the employer and employee may agree in writing who will bear the cost of future drug tests or screens required as a condition of continued employment. §11-3-203
Deduction for meals
Deductions for meals, lodging, apparel, etc. may not exceed 30 cents per hour. §11-4-213
Wage deductions
Deductions may be made where authorized or required by law, where authorized in writing and for the employee’s benefit. Deductions for spoilage, breakage, cash or inventory shortages or losses, fines or penalties may not reduce pay below the minimum wage. Labor Board Regulation 9
State
Contact
Regulations
Frequency of payday
Arkansas Code Title 11, §11-4-401
Wages – general provisions
Arkansas Code Title 11, §11-4-402
Payment by goods illegal
Arkansas Code Title 11, §11-4-404
Deduction for medical exam
Arkansas Code Title 11, §11-3-203
Deduction for meals
Arkansas Code Title 11, §11-4-213
Wage deductions
Arkansas Labor Board Regulation 9
Federal
Contacts
None.
Regulations
None.