Companies often run a tight ship to maximize profits. However, they are not permitted to do this at the expense of employees. As a worker, you are entitled to be paid a fair amount for what you do.
Sadly, some employers do not always hold up their end of the bargain, and your pay packet could fall short of what it is supposed to be. This is commonly referred to as wage theft, and there are numerous ways that this can occur.
Unpaid overtime
Generally, the average working week for employees is 40 hours per week. Anything over this amount is considered overtime. There are circumstances where it is necessary to request that employees work more than 40 hours, or overtime. This is perfectly lawful, but the correct amount must be paid to the worker during overtime periods. The Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets out the law in this area. Workers who have exceeded 40 hours must be paid at least time and a half for their overtime services. Failure to do this is considered wage theft.
Minimum wage requirements
There is a Federal minimum wage in place that is set at $7.25 per hour. States are free to go above this, but they cannot pay below this amount. New York has its own legislation that oversees the rate for the minimum wage. This can vary depending on the size of the employer and the specific municipality that the in which the company you work for is based. What’s important is that you are never paid below the minimum wage in your jurisdiction, as this is wage theft.
As a worker, you may need some help to stand up for your rights from time to time. Seeking some legal guidance will help ensure that you are treated fairly.
