Employees are entitled to fair wages and appropriate compensation for their work. However, wage violations, including unpaid overtime and minimum wage infractions, are common workplace issues. Knowing your rights is crucial to ensuring fair pay.
Common Wage and Hour Violations
Employers may violate wage and hour laws in several ways, including:
- Unpaid Overtime: Failing to pay time-and-a-half for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
- Minimum Wage Violations: Paying employees less than the legally required minimum wage.
- Misclassification of Employees: Labeling employees as independent contractors to avoid paying benefits and overtime.
- Illegal Pay Deductions: Deducting wages unlawfully or failing to compensate for all work performed.
- Off-the-Clock Work: Expecting employees to work before or after scheduled shifts without pay.
Legal Protections for Employees
Employees are protected under federal and state wage laws, including:
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, and record-keeping regulations.
- New Jersey Wage and Hour Law: Provides additional protections for employees working in New Jersey.
- Equal Pay Act: Requires employers to provide equal pay for equal work regardless of gender.
What to Do If Your Employer Violates Wage Laws
If you believe you are not receiving the wages you are owed, follow these steps:
- Keep Records: Maintain documentation of your hours worked, pay stubs, and any communication regarding wages.
- Report the Violation: File a complaint with your HR department or the Department of Labor.
- Seek Legal Help: Consult an employment attorney to explore your legal options and recover lost wages.
Legal Help for Wage and Hour Claims
At Castronovo & McKinney, Employment Law Attorneys, we assist employees in recovering unpaid wages and holding employers accountable for wage violations.
Contact Castronovo & McKinney, LLC
If you need legal assistance regarding wage and hour claims, 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
