Why am I getting 6.95 an hour when california minimum wage is 7.50?

Question

I am fourteen years old and work at a summer camp. They say I can get worked for less since I get room and board and it is a nonprofit organiztion but i'm still not sure.

Answer 1

3. MEALS AND LODGING
Meals or lodging may not be credited against the minimum wage without a voluntary written agreement between the employer and the employee. When credit for meals or lodging is used to meet part of the employer’s minimum wage obligation, the amounts so credited may not be more than the following:
LODGING
Room occupied alone .............................................................................................................
Effective
January 1, 2007
$35.27 per week
Effective
January 1, 2008
$37.63 per week
Room shared ..........................................................................................................................
$29.11 per week
$31.06 per week
Apartment – two-thirds (2/3) of the ordinary rental value, and in no event more than:............
$423.51 per month
$451.89 per month
Where a couple are both employed by the employer, two-thirds (2/3) of the ordinary
rental value, and in no event more than: ................................................................................
$626.49 per month
$668.46 per month
MEALS
Breakfast ...............................................................................................................................
$2.72
$2.90
Lunch .....................................................................................................................................
$3.72
$3.97
Dinner ....................................................................................................................................
$5.00
$5.34

I'm sure you know your lucky to be working at this age and should agee to these terms, considering they are feeding you and giving you a place to stay. http://www.dir.ca.gov/IWC/Minwage2007.pdf

Answer 2

If minimum wage is 7.50, then you should be getting paid that. I know how you feel though. Been there. Worked salaried positions getting paid by the week for less than minimum. It is not right. Now a couple of things to think about. Some companies do provide room and board (which are the same thing...a roof over your head). Some include food, but not all. Do they make you stay all night? I am thinking they do as you have mentioned it. But that don't really matter. They should still pay you minimum wage. The Non Profit Organization thing don't work either. I have run non-profits before. The only thing they get is a tax break. If they hire someone, it has to be at a certain wage and must be state minimum. A non-profit org has to make sure they don't violate any laws including labor laws especially since you are fourteen.

Now the real question is: Do you like the job? How much longer is it going to last? If you like the job, then just hang in there until it is over. Then you can call the labor board and complain. They will have to go back and pay you for the time that you did work. You are looking at about .55 an hour for every hour you worked plus a fine amount that could be $50 or more. You could end up getting a check for $300-400 in the mail. But don't be afraid to stand up for your rights, brother. Make a call to the camp director or whoever owns it. Ask the same question that you asked on here: Why aren't you getting paid minimum wage. Even if they can explain it to you as food and lodging costs. Make them show you how that works. I am sure you would like the money difference. But what you seem to be looking for is an answer to why there is a difference. Maybe the camp directors can explain why it is done that way. Good luck to you.

Answer 3

Do you have a work permit? Do you get paid with a check?

If so, then it may be that you are working legally and need to get the minimum wage. If you are getting paid under the table then that is what you get.

Either way, discuss things with your employer. If you are still not satisfied, take your complaint to a labor department, preferably with your parents/guardians.

Answer 4

I never made $6.95 an hour when I was fourteen. I think I made $3.00 an hour and it wasn't that long ago. I think you should suck it up and be happy with it; before too long you'll have to get a real job then you'll really have something to complain about.

Answer 5

Because of "cost of living." Theirs is higher. Basically it costs more to live out there then where you do so they get more money for wages. Want a shocker, try comparing real estate.

Answer 6

Can a 14-year-old be legally working?

Answer 7

It depends on what State you live in. For instance, Ohio you would get minimum wage at 6.85. The cost of living is higher in California than it is here...maybe that's why...also, its because of your age...

Answer 8

Room and board is compensation. - It has worth.
( How much would the meals and shelter cost you?)
That said, you can complain and see what developes.

Answer 9

I would report them to the Labor department.

Answer 10

Because you let them pay you $6.95. Find another job!