Article
4 min read
Understanding Colorado Employment and Labor Laws
Legal & compliance
PEO
Author
Shannon Ongaro
Published
August 16, 2024
Last Update
September 30, 2024
Table of Contents
Federal vs. state law differences
Employment vs. labor law: what’s the difference?
Wages and hours in Colorado
Leaves of absence in Colorado
Workplace safety in Colorado
Discrimination and harassment laws in Colorado
Unions in Colorado
Stay compliant across the US with Deel PEO
Key takeaways
- Colorado has specific regulations governing minimum wage, which may vary by industry or location.
- Colorado supports workers' rights to organize and collectively bargain, fostering a balanced labor-management relationship.
- Staying updated on evolving labor laws can be complex. Leveraging platforms like Deel can simplify compliance and HR management.
In the US, labor and employment laws establish the framework for fair and equitable workplaces. They outline the rights and responsibilities of employers, employees, and labor unions, covering areas such as wages, working conditions, health and safety, and termination.
Since these laws can vary by state, it's crucial for both employers and employees to know their local requirements. In this article, we’ll cover the key laws in Colorado.
Federal vs. state law differences
Federal and state regulations can often intersect and sometimes diverge. Federal laws provide a baseline across the United States, setting minimum standards for wages, discrimination, and workplace safety.
However, states like Colorado often enact laws that provide additional protections and benefits to workers. For instance, while the federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour, Colorado has set a higher standard, reflecting the state's commitment to a living wage.
Employment vs. labor law: what’s the difference?
Employment law generally deals with the rights and obligations within the employer-employee relationship, covering a range of issues from contracts to workplace discrimination.
Labor law, on the other hand, focuses more on the relationship between employers and collective entities like unions, including collective bargaining and workers' rights to organize.
Wages and hours in Colorado
Colorado’s wage and hour laws combine state-specific requirements and federal requirements.
Minimum wage in Colorado
Employers must pay at least the applicable Colorado or local minimum wage. For 2024, the minimum wage is $14.42 per hour, and $11.40 per hour for tipped employees.
Overtime pay in Colorado
Employees are entitled to pay for all earned overtime wages without impermissible deductions. The specific rate and conditions for overtime pay are agreed upon by the employer and employee but must comply with applicable minimum wage laws.
Pay transparency in Colorado
Employers must disclose compensation in all job postings and notices, both internal and public. This includes information about benefits and how to apply. Employers must also inform employees about available job opportunities and disclose who was selected to fill the position. Records of wages and job descriptions must be preserved.
Breaks and rest periods in Colorado
Employees must be given a 30-minute unpaid meal break if they work more than five hours. During this time, employees must be relieved of all duties. If they can't be relieved, the meal break must be paid. Employees must receive a 10-minute paid rest break for every four hours worked. These breaks should be in the middle of the work period when possible.
Deel PEO
Leaves of absence in Colorado
Eligible employees are entitled to up to 480 hours of family medical leave (FML) under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) within a 12-month period for specified family and medical reasons.
Additionally, employees are eligible for up to 40 hours of state family medical leave subsequent to FML. Employees with one year of State service can receive up to 160 hours of Paid FMLA leave (PFML) for a qualified FMLA reason.
Pregnancy disability leave in Colorado
The Colorado FAMLI (Family and Medical Leave Insurance) program provides paid family and medical leave to employees in the state. It allows eligible workers to take time off for personal or family health issues, bonding with a new child, or dealing with situations related to a family member's military service. Funded by payroll deductions, FAMLI aims to support workers without risking their financial stability.
Paid sick leave in Colorado
The Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act requires employers to provide accrued leave and public health emergency (PHE) leave. Employees earn at least 1 hour of paid leave per 30 hours of work, up to 48 hours per year.
Jury duty in Colorado
Employers cannot threaten, coerce, or discharge an employee for reporting for juror service. Regularly employed jurors must be paid their regular wages for the first three days of service, up to fifty dollars per day, unless otherwise agreed.
Workplace safety in Colorado
Regulations include rules related to wage-and-hour, heat protection, service provider access, anti-retaliation, and notices of rights. These are detailed in the Colorado Overtime and Minimum Pay Standards Order (COMPS Order) #38, the Agricultural Labor Conditions Rules, and the Colorado Whistleblower, Anti-Retaliation, Non-Interference, and Notice-Giving Rules (Colorado WARNING Rules).
Discrimination and harassment laws in Colorado
It is illegal to discriminate based on protected classes in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for disabilities and pregnancy-related conditions. Complaints must be filed within specific time frames depending on the type of discrimination.
Unions in Colorado
Labor-management relations and union activities are governed by various laws depending on the type of employment. Private sector employees are covered by the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and the Labor Peace Act (LPA).
State government employees are covered by the Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs and Services Act (Partnership Act). County government employees are covered by the Collective Bargaining by County Employees Act (COBCA). Other public employees are protected under the Protections for Public Workers Act (PROPWA).
Stay compliant across the US with Deel PEO
Keeping up to date with the latest state-specific labor and employment laws is a crucial but resource-intensive task for HR and payroll teams. With Deel PEO, you can offload HR and compliance risks and focus on growing your business. Deel’s services include:
- Expert payroll administration
- Advanced HR and benefits compliance
- Access to benefit plans from leading providers
- Trainings, HR policies, and on-demand HR support
Book a demo to explore Deel’s platform and speak with an expert.
FAQs
How does Colorado's minimum wage compare to the federal minimum wage?
Colorado's minimum wage is significantly higher than the federal minimum wage, reflecting the state's commitment to a living wage. While the federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour, Colorado has set a higher standard of $14.42.
Are all employees in Colorado eligible for paid sick leave?
Yes, most employees in Colorado accrue paid sick leave, allowing them to take necessary time off for health-related issues without losing income.
What protections are offered against workplace discrimination in Colorado?
Colorado law prohibits discrimination on the basis of protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, and more, ensuring fair treatment for all employees.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes and should not be treated as legal or tax advice. Consult a professional before proceeding.
About the author
Shannon Ongaro is a content marketing manager and trained journalist with over a decade of experience producing content that supports franchisees, small businesses, and global enterprises. Over the years, she’s covered topics such as payroll, HR tech, workplace culture, and more. At Deel, Shannon specializes in thought leadership and global payroll content.