There's a lot of confusion out there, but employers who make staffing decisions based on discriminatory reasons can still be held liable.

As more politicians and union-affiliated groups push for higher minimum wages, employers need to prepare now for the significant financial, compliance and regulatory challenges these changes may bring.

In order to avoid wage and hour liability, employers need to be sure they are complying with all the relevant minimum wage, overtime, and other wage- and benefit-related regulations.