Louisiana Statewide Rule
Louisiana Minimum Wage and Local Preemption Statute
Key Facts
- Codified La. R.s.
- Codified at La. R.S. 23:642
- Prohibitions
- No state minimum wage law
- Penalties
- Federal $7.25 floor applies
- Bars Local Benefit
- Bars local benefit mandates
- Enforced Statewide
- Enforced statewide as preemption
Summary
Louisiana defaults to the federal minimum wage and bars political subdivisions from setting local minimum wages, employment benefits, or vacation requirements for private employers.
B. Therefore, pursuant to the police powers ultimately reserved to the state by Article VI, Section 9 of the Constitution of Louisiana, no local governmental subdivision shall establish a mandatory, minimum number of vacation or sick leave days, whether paid or unpaid, or a minimum wage rate which a private employer would be required to pay or grant employees.
Full Breakdown
La. R.S. 23:642 prohibits any parish, city, or other political subdivision from establishing a minimum wage rate that an employer must pay an employee. The statute also blocks local mandates on vacation, sick leave, or other benefits beyond state law. Louisiana has no state minimum wage, so the federal $7.25 hourly rate under the Fair Labor Standards Act applies. State agencies enforce wage payment and collection rules under R.S. 23:631 et seq.
Violations & Penalties
Local wage or benefit ordinances are void and unenforceable; employers and trade groups may seek declaratory or injunctive relief against attempted enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Louisiana city raise the minimum wage?
What is Louisiana's minimum wage?
Sources
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