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Protecting Your Rights: A Guide to Missouri Employment Law
Navigating the workplace can be complex. While most days go smoothly, situations sometimes arise where you might question if your employer is treating you fairly or even legally. Whether you are dealing with unpaid wages, discrimination, or questions about your contract, understanding the basics of Missouri employment law is the first step toward protecting your livelihood.
At Barrett & Farahany, we believe every worker deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. As experienced Missouri employment attorneys, we are dedicated to helping employees understand their rights and holding employers accountable when those rights are violated.
Our Missouri employment attorneys provide an overview of the key regulations governing workplaces across the state, from St. Louis to Kansas City and everywhere in between.
Understanding At-Will Employment in Missouri
Like many states, Missouri follows the doctrine of “employment at-will.” This generally means that an employer can terminate an employee at any time, for any reason, or for no reason at all. Conversely, an employee is free to leave their job at any time without providing a specific reason.
However, “at-will” does not mean “without rules.” Employers cannot fire you for illegal reasons. Key exceptions to the at-will doctrine include:
- Discrimination: You cannot be fired based on protected characteristics such as race, age, or gender.
- Retaliation: Employers cannot punish you for engaging in protected activities, such as filing a workers’ compensation claim, reporting safety violations (whistleblowing), or complaining about discrimination.
- Contract Violations: If you have an employment contract stating you can only be fired for “just cause,” your employer must adhere to those terms.
If you suspect your termination was motivated by illegal factors rather than legitimate business reasons, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination claim under Missouri employment law.
Missouri's Labor Regulations
To ensure fair compensation, the state has established specific rules regarding wages and hours. It is crucial to review your pay stubs and understand how your time is calculated to ensure you are not a victim of wage theft.
Minimum Wage and Overtime
As of 2026, the minimum wage in Missouri is set at $13.75 per hour. This rate applies to most employees, though there are special rules for tipped workers.
Employers may pay tipped employees —such as servers or bartenders — half of the minimum wage, which is currently $6.875 per hour. However, if an employee’s tips combined with this base wage do not equal at least the standard minimum wage of $13.75 per hour, the employer must make up the difference.
Overtime rules generally follow federal standards. Employees are entitled to 1.5 times their regular rate of pay for any hours worked over 40 in a single workweek. Misclassification is a common issue here; some employers may wrongly label workers as “independent contractors” or “exempt” salaried employees to avoid paying overtime.
Paid Sick Leave (New for 2025)
In a significant shift for workers’ rights, Missouri has introduced mandatory paid sick leave requirements effective May 1, 2025.
- Accrual: Employees will accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.
- Usage Limits: Employers with fewer than 15 employees must allow the use of at least 40 hours of paid sick leave per year. For employers with 15 or more employees, that limit increases to 56 hours per year.
This new regulation ensures that workers can take time to care for their health or a family member’s health without risking their paycheck.
Breaks and Meal Periods
One area that often surprises employees is break time. Unlike some other states, Missouri employment law does not require employers to provide rest breaks or meal periods for adult employees.
If your employer does choose to offer breaks (usually lasting 5 to 20 minutes), these must generally be paid. Meal periods (typically 30 minutes or more) do not need to be paid if the employee is completely relieved of duties.
Anti-Discrimination Laws
Every employee has the right to a workplace free from harassment and bias. The Missouri Human Rights Act (MHRA) provides robust protections against discrimination.
The MHRA applies to private employers with six or more employees, as well as state and local government entities. It prohibits discrimination in hiring, firing, promotion, and other terms of employment based on:
- Race and Color
- Religion
- National Origin and Ancestry
- Sex (including issues related to pregnancy and gender)
- Age (specifically protecting individuals between the ages of 40 and 69)
- Disability
Harassment is a form of discrimination. This includes offensive remarks, unwelcome advances, or conduct that creates a hostile work environment based on any of the protected traits listed above. If you are experiencing harassment, it is important to document the behavior and report it according to your company’s policy.
Employee Rights and Protections
Beyond wages and discrimination, several other statutes protect your interests as a worker in Missouri.
Wage Transparency
Transparency is vital for fair pay. Under state law, employers are required to provide wage ranges to applicants upon request or before a compensation offer is made. Furthermore, current employees seeking a promotion or transfer to a new position can also request the wage range for that specific role.
Termination and Final Pay
Losing a job is stressful enough without having to fight for your final paycheck. Missouri law mandates that when an employment relationship ends, the employer must pay the employee their wages due. If the employer fails to pay on time, they may face penalties.
Required Time Off
While breaks aren’t guaranteed, certain types of leave are protected:
- Voting: Employees may be entitled to time off to vote if there are not three consecutive hours while polls are open when they are not at work.
- Jury Duty: Employers cannot terminate or discipline an employee for responding to a jury summons.
- Domestic Violence Leave: Employers with 20 or more employees must provide unpaid leave to victims of domestic or sexual violence for legal, medical, or counseling appointments.
Employer Posting Requirements
You have a right to know your rights. Employers are legally obligated to display posters in visible areas of the workplace. These posters must explain regulations regarding workers’ compensation, discrimination, and minimum wage. If these are missing from your break room or common area, your employer may be non-compliant.
Barrett & Farahany: Your Missouri Employment Law Advocates
Employment disputes can feel like a David versus Goliath battle. Large corporations often have extensive legal teams dedicated to protecting their bottom line. You deserve a team just as powerful and dedicated to protecting you.
At Barrett & Farahany, we are committed to justice in the workplace. While we handle a broad spectrum of employment issues, we have a deep focus on wage and hour cases, helping workers recover unpaid overtime and minimum wages. We also have extensive experience navigating complex noncompete agreements, ensuring that unfair contracts do not stifle your career growth.
Our Missouri employment attorneys understand the nuances of local and federal statutes. We don’t just know the law; we know how to apply it strategically to advocate for the best possible outcome for our clients.
Contact Us for Legal Support
If you believe your rights have been violated, do not wait. Statutes of limitations can restrict the time you have to file a claim. Whether you have been denied overtime pay, subjected to a hostile work environment, or fired illegally, we are here to listen.
Contact Barrett & Farahany today for a consultation. Let us help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and fight for the fair treatment you deserve.
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