Pennsylvania Employment Laws

Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, ancestry, age (40+), sex, national origin, disability, and use of guide/support animals. Covers employers with 4 or more employees. Enforced by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.

Protects employees who report or refuse to participate in wrongdoing, waste, or violations of law by their employer. Remedies include reinstatement, back pay, and attorney's fees. Must file within 180 days of the retaliatory action.

Pennsylvania's minimum wage is $7.25/hour (same as federal minimum). Tipped employees minimum is $2.83/hour. Philadelphia and some other municipalities have set higher minimums for city employees and contractors but do not have general local minimum wage authority.

Requires employers to pay all wages due on regular paydays. Separated employees must be paid by the next regular payday. Employees can recover unpaid wages plus 25% liquidated damages and reasonable attorney's fees.