DOL Wage Rules Explained, What McDonald's Workers Need to Know

The Wage and Hour Division fact sheet is a core reference for rights and obligations under the Fair Labor Standards Act as it applies to restaurants and fast food establishments. It clarifies which workers are covered by minimum wage and overtime protections, how tipped employee rules and the tip credit work, what deductions employers may lawfully take from pay, restrictions that apply to minors, and the recordkeeping employers must maintain. The guidance also points workers and employers to the Wage and Hour Division helpline for further information or to file complaints.

At the center of the fact sheet are rules that affect paychecks and scheduling. The fact sheet explains overtime calculation and exemptions so that employers know when overtime must be paid and workers can verify they receive proper premium pay for long workweeks. For tipped employees the fact sheet describes conditions for taking a tip credit, and the responsibilities employers carry to ensure combined wages and tips meet federal standards. It sets boundaries on permissible deductions, such as for uniforms or cash register shortages, and explains limits designed to prevent deductions from cutting workers below required wage levels.

Youth employment restrictions are addressed with detail relevant to restaurants that frequently hire minors. The fact sheet outlines permissible hours and types of tasks for workers under the age of 18, which affects nightly and weekend scheduling at high school hiring pools and during seasonal rushes. The recordkeeping guidance highlights the information employers must maintain to demonstrate compliance, a practical concern for franchise operators and corporate HR teams preparing for audits or investigations.

For McDonald's workers the fact sheet is a practical tool to check pay stubs, tip pooling arrangements and schedules, and to understand when to raise concerns. For managers and compliance staff the guidance is the baseline for training, payroll policy and hiring practices aimed at avoiding violations. Both sides benefit from clear records, because accurate documentation can resolve disputes or support enforcement actions initiated through the Wage and Hour Division helpline.