Overtime laws are designed to ensure employees receive fair compensation for extra hours worked. However, many workers are unaware of their rights or may be improperly denied overtime pay by their employers.
What is the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)?
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a federal law that sets overtime regulations for employees across the United States. Key provisions include:
- Overtime Pay: Employees must receive at least 1.5 times their regular hourly wage for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek.
- Exempt vs. Non-Exempt Employees: Only non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay. Exempt employees, such as certain salaried professionals, may not qualify.
- State Laws: Some states have additional overtime protections that may provide greater benefits.
Common Overtime Violations
Employers may try to avoid paying overtime through various unlawful tactics. Watch for these red flags:
- Misclassification: Employers may wrongly classify employees as exempt to avoid overtime payments.
- Off-the-Clock Work: Being asked to work before or after your shift without pay.
- Unpaid Breaks: Employers deducting break time that you were required to work through.
- Improper Timekeeping: Manipulating records to show fewer hours worked.
What to Do If You Are Denied Overtime Pay
If you believe you are owed overtime wages, take the following steps:
- Track Your Hours: Keep detailed records of your work hours and pay stubs.
- Report Violations: File a complaint with HR or your state’s labor department.
- Consult an Employment Lawyer: A legal professional can help you recover unpaid wages.
Legal Assistance for Overtime Wage Disputes
At Castronovo & McKinney, Employment Law Attorneys, we specialize in helping employees recover unpaid overtime wages. Our team is dedicated to ensuring workers receive the pay they rightfully earned.
Contact Castronovo & McKinney, LLC
If you need legal assistance regarding unpaid overtime, contact us today:
New Jersey Office:
71 Maple Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: 973.920.7888
Fax: 973.920.7924
New York Office:
420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1830, New York, NY 10170
Phone: 646.755.3781
Fax: 646.755.3781
Email: info@cmlaw.com