Are labor laws specific to each state or nationwide? I need to know what the laws are for uniform compensation?

[doran]

I live in NY and work for a caterer that requires us to have three kinds of shoes, four different kinds of shirts, a full tux, two-three kinds of pants. We never get any compensaton or tax deduction for it ( I know you can itemize on your return) ...I mean on our paycheck. I used to work for a diner that had an allowance on the check for washing our uniforms. I was wondering what the laws are and what we can claim.

[jarel]

State specific; and it looks like uniform compensation is up to the employer.

http://www.labor.state.ny.us/workerprotection/laborstandards/workprot/lshmpg.shtm

If you can claim it as a tax deduction, why would you expect to see it as a tax deduction on your paystub?

[cinnard]

Yes each is different, you have a valid point thou. I would suggest you contact your local labor board, they should indeed be able to get you compensated. Save all receipts and letters from your job telling you to purchase this items labor board may want it. Good luck