The Vermont Statutes Online

Title 21 : Labor

Chapter 005 : Employment Practices

Subchapter 003 : MINIMUM WAGES

• § 385. Administration

  The Commissioner and the Commissioner’s authorized representatives have full power and authority for all the following:

  (1) To enforce and administer the provisions of this chapter, including the power to conduct investigations and take any other action considered necessary or suitable for the administration of this chapter. In the discharge of duties under this chapter, the Commissioner may administer oaths, take depositions, certify to official acts, subpoena witnesses, and compel production of any documents and records necessary and material to the administration of this chapter.

  (2) To enter and inspect any place of business or employment, question any employees, and investigate any records, facts, conditions, or matters that are deemed appropriate and that in any way appertain to or have a bearing upon the question of wages due under the provisions of this chapter.

  (3) To require from any employer full and correct statements in writing of the wages paid to all employees employed by that employer necessary to investigate and enforce the provisions of this chapter.

  (4) To determine the amount of deductions for board, lodging, or other items or services supplied by the employer or any other typical conditions or circumstances in a particular employer- employee relationship; provided, however, that in no case shall the total remuneration received by an employee, including wages, gratuities, board, lodging, or other items or services supplied by the employer be less than the minimum wage established pursuant to section 384 of this subchapter. No deduction may be made for the care, cleaning, or maintenance of required apparel. No deduction for required apparel shall be made without the employee’s express written authorization and the deduction shall not:

  (A) reduce the total remuneration received by an employee below the minimum wage established pursuant to section 384 of this subchapter;

  (B) include any administrative fees or charges; or

  (C) amend, nullify, or violate the terms and conditions of any collective bargaining agreement.

  (5) To recommend a suitable scale of rates for learners, apprentices, and persons with disabilities, which may be less than the regular minimum wage rate for experienced workers without disabilities. (Amended 2001, No. 47, § 2; 2005, No. 212 (Adj. Sess.), § 10, eff. May 29, 2006; 2007, No. 182 (Adj. Sess.), § 10, eff. June 2, 2008; 2023, No. 85 (Adj. Sess.), § 86, eff. July 1, 2024.)