As noted in relevant community association-related publications, like “Community Association Management Insider”, federal law mandates the posting of various signs setting forth information to their employees.  The necessary signs are available free of charge from the federal government, and are available through each state’s Department of Labor.  Failure to post the signs can cost as much as $10,000 per violation. 

The versions of each of the following signs change often, so it is important that the signs are updated periodically and only the most current versions be posted for association employees.   

FEDERAL MINIMUM WAGE SIGN

Who must post sign.  Anyone who has one or more employees.

Content.  The content of the notice is prescribed by the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor (DOL).  The sign exhibits the current federal minimum wage and explains who is eligible for it.  The sign must also include language explaining federal child labor laws and the overtime provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.  Under the act, employers are required to pay covered nonexempt employees a minimum wage of not less than $7.25 per hour.  This rate became effective July 24, 2009.

Location.  You must post the sign in a conspicuous place where employees are likely to see it.

How to get sign.  For a copy, contact the DOL at (866) 487-9243 or to go www.dol.govlelawslposters.htm.

Most recent version.  The latest version of this sign was issued in July, 2007.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY SIGN

Who must post sign.  Anyone with 15 or more employees.

Content.  The sign explains the various federal anti-discrimination employment laws, including the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Equal Pay Act.

Location.  You must post the sign in a conspicuous place where notices for employees and job applicants are generally posted.

Penalty.  The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) can fine you up to $100 per violation for not properly posting the sign.

How to get sign.  For a copy, contact the DOL at the above telephone number.

Most recent version.  The latest version of this sign was issued in August, 2008.

JOB SAFETY AND HEALTH PROTECTION SIGN

Who must post sign.  Anyone with one or more employees.

Content.  The sign explains that employers must provide their employees with a safe work environment, free from recognized hazards, and they must comply with Occupational Safety and health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

Location.  You must post the sign in a conspicuous place where notices for employees are generally posted.

Penalty.  The law sets no fine for not posting the sign.

How to get sign.  For a copy, visit the OSHA website, or call the local OSHA office – (800) 321-6742. 

Most recent version.  The latest version of the sign says “OSHA 3165-12-06R” in the lower right-hand corner.

EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACT SIGN

Who must post sign.  Anyone with one or more employees.

Content.  The sign explains that under most circumstances employers cannot require their employees to take a lie detector test.  In rare and controlled circumstances, the act permits polygraph testing of certain employees who are reasonably suspected of involvement in a workplace incident such as theft or embezzlement that resulted in specific economic loss or injury to the employer.  In these instances, the lie detector tests are subject to strict standards for the conduct of the test, including the pretest, testing, and post-testing phases.  An examiner must be licensed and bonded or have professional liability coverage.  And the act strictly limits the disclosure of information obtained during a polygraph test.

Location.  You must post the sign in a conspicuous place where employees are likely to see it.

Penalty.  The Secretary of Labor can bring court action to restrain violators and assess civil money penalties up to $10,000 per violation, including failure to post the sign.

How to get sign.  A copy of the sign can be obtained from the DOL.

Most recent version.  The sign was last updated in June, 2003; “WH Publication 1462" appears in the lower right-hand corner.

FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT SIGN

Who must post sign.  Anyone with 50 or more employees.

Content.  The sign must explain that covered employers are required to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to certain employees for certain family and medical reasons.

Location.  You must post the sign in a conspicuous place where notices for employees and job applicants are generally posted.

Penalty.  The Wage and Hour Division of the DOL can fine you up to $100 per violation for not posting the sign.

How to get sign.  A copy of the sign can be obtained from the DOL.

Most recent version.  The latest version was revised in January, 2009; “WHD Publication 1420" appears in the bottom right-hand corner.  This latest version incorporates a rule that became effective on January 16, 2009.  The rule provides for special military family leave for employees to care for a related service member or employees who need to manage their affairs while the family member is on active duty in support of a contingency operation.

UNIFORMED SERVICES EMPLOYMENT AND REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS ACT SIGN

Who must post sign.  Employers of service members returning from a period of uniformed service, including those called up by the reserves or National Guard.

Content.  The sign explains the reemployment rights of individuals who voluntarily or involuntarily leave employment positions to undertake military service or certain types of service in the National Disaster Medical System.

Location.  You must provide the notice by posting it where employee notices are typically placed.

Penalty.  There are no citations or penalties for failure to post the sign.  However, an individual could ask the DOL to investigate and seek compliance, or file a private enforcement action to require you to provide the notice to employees.

How to get sign.  View online here, or call the DOL at (866) 487-2365.

Most recent version.  The latest version was published in October, 2008.