5 Signs That Your Employers are In Breach of Wage and Hour Regulations

You are entitled to be compensated fairly for the work you put in with an employer, which includes being paid in line with minimum wage, being delivered on time, and not having pay withheld. Legislation including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and a variety of state regulations are in place to protect employees against wage and hour breaches. Below, we tell you about five signs that your employer isn’t compensating you fairly.

Payment Withdrawn for Overtime

Every single non-exempt employee is entitled to be paid 1.5x their wage for any overtime. However, many employers try to get around this legislation by withholding pay for overtime. In most cases, if you work in excess of 40 hours a week, you should be in receipt of overtime pay. Even if you’re a salaried worker, you can receive overtime payments.

If your employment isn’t classified as exempt and your employers have withheld overtime pay, then Wage and Hour Laws in California mean you can file for compensation. The best action you can take is to seek advice from a reputable employment lawyer.

Missing Pay for Hours Worked

A common wage and hours issues is pay being withheld for hours worked. If your employment requires you to clock in and out, you are entitled to be paid every hour recorded. Even if your employer asks you to work outside of typical hours, you need to be paid for this.

To keep track of all hours worked, it’s best practice to keep a diary of all hours worked – including breaks and overtime. If you find that you’re missing hours in your wages, then it’s time to file a complaint and seek legal counsel.

Retaliation

In some cases, employers will take action in retaliation for filing a complaint. In particular, you may find they deduct wages or reduce your working hours. If you believe that your employer is punishing you in this way, it’s important that you seek legal advice for the next steps.

Unauthorized Pay Check Deductions

Typical deductions from your wages including taxes, retirement payments, and charitable donations agreed in advance. If your employer deducts wages to cover cash shortages, losses, and any other business-related cost without your consent, they’re acting in breach of wage and hour regulations. Even if you need a uniform, devices, or other tools to complete your job, employers aren’t allowed to deduct such costs from your wages.

Being Paid Lower Than Minimum Wage

The minimum wage in America is currently $7.25 per hour for all non-exempt workers. If you receive tips in your work, the minimum wage is $2.13 but the total hourly wage including tips must total $7.25. If you’re being paid less than this amount, bring it up with your employer and then find out what legal actions you can take.

People work to afford the cost of living, so it’s essential to make sure you’re not being ripped off by your employer. If you notice any of the above discrepancies, then make sure you contact a reputable lawyer for advice.