Federal law requires employers to display specific workplace posters informing employees of their rights. Failing to post these notices can result in significant fines and legal liability. This guide covers every federal posting requirement, who must comply, and how to stay compliant.
Required Federal Labor Law Posters
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Poster
The FLSA poster informs employees about minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor laws. This is required for virtually all employers.
Who must post: All employers covered by the FLSA (most private sector employers with annual gross sales of $500,000 or more, or engaged in interstate commerce).
Key information displayed:
- Federal minimum wage rate
- Overtime requirements
- Child labor restrictions
- Tip credit provisions
OSHA Job Safety and Health Poster
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires employers to inform workers of their safety rights.
Who must post: All private sector employers (even those with just one employee).
Key information displayed:
- Workers’ rights to a safe workplace
- How to file a complaint with OSHA
- Protection from retaliation
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Poster
Also known as the “EEO is the Law” poster, this covers anti-discrimination requirements.
Who must post: Employers with 15 or more employees.
Key information displayed:
- Protected classes under federal law
- How to file discrimination complaints
- Employer obligations
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Poster
This poster explains employee rights to job-protected leave.
Who must post: Employers with 50 or more employees.
Key information displayed:
- Eligibility requirements
- Types of qualifying leave
- Job protection guarantees
Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) Poster
This notice explains restrictions on lie detector tests in employment.
Who must post: All private employers.
Key information displayed:
- Prohibition on requiring polygraph tests
- Limited exceptions
- Employee rights
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) Poster
Protects the job rights of employees who serve in the military.
Who must post: All employers.
Key information displayed:
- Reemployment rights
- Health insurance continuation
- Protection from discrimination
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to display required federal labor law posters can result in:
| Violation | Potential Penalty |
|---|---|
| OSHA poster violation | Up to $15,625 per violation |
| FLSA poster violation | Up to $216 per violation |
| FMLA poster violation | Up to $204 per violation |
| EEO poster violation | $612 per violation |
Beyond fines, missing posters can weaken your legal defenses in employment disputes. Courts have ruled that employers cannot enforce policies employees were never informed about.
Where to Display Labor Law Posters
Federal regulations require posters to be displayed in a conspicuous location where employees can easily see them. Best practices include:
- Break rooms
- Near time clocks
- Employee entrances
- Common areas
For remote workers, the Department of Labor permits electronic posting if:
- All employees work remotely
- Employees have regular access to the electronic posting
- The posting is as effective as a physical poster
How to Stay Compliant
Option 1: Individual Posters
Download free posters directly from federal agencies:
- DOL.gov for FLSA, FMLA, OSHA, EPPA, and USERRA
- EEOC.gov for EEO poster
Pros: Free Cons: Time-consuming to track updates; must monitor multiple sources
Option 2: All-in-One Compliance Posters
Purchase a combined poster that includes all federal requirements on one display.
Pros: Convenient; often includes state requirements; update notifications Cons: Annual cost
Option 3: Professional Compliance Services
Work with a compliance service that monitors requirements and provides automatic updates.
Pros: Peace of mind; automatic updates; expert support Cons: Ongoing subscription
When Posters Must Be Updated
You must update your labor law posters when:
- Federal minimum wage changes
- New laws take effect
- Agency regulations are amended
- Poster format requirements change
Major updates typically occur in January, but changes can happen throughout the year.
Get Compliant Today
Don’t risk fines and legal exposure. Critical Compliance Services offers all-in-one federal and state labor law posters with automatic update notifications. Our posters are always current and meet all federal display requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need labor law posters if I only have one employee?
Yes. OSHA and several other federal poster requirements apply to employers with even one employee.
Can I post labor law notices electronically?
For fully remote workplaces, electronic posting may be acceptable. However, most employers with any on-site workers must display physical posters.
What size must labor law posters be?
Most federal posters must be at least 11″ x 17″ and printed in a readable font size.
Do I need both federal AND state posters?
Yes. Most states have their own workplace posting requirements in addition to federal requirements.