It’s often hard to get a good day’s pay, but, when you do your work, you expect to be paid for your time. Unfortunately, many workers don’t see their fair pay from employers who engage in wage theft.
When employers engage in wage theft, employers may face many difficulties, such as putting food on the table, paying rent, paying off debt or recovering from medical bills. Wage theft is a seriously illegal and unethical problem. To ensure you’re not a victim of wage theft, you may need to know the following common form of wage theft:
#1. No overtime pay
Employees who work overtime are promised one and one-half of their normal pay for their hours worked. This way, employees are rewarded for their time and efforts, and may even work overtime in the future. However, some employers will withhold overtime pay, which is a common wage theft practice.
#2. Paid less than minimum wage
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, employees have the right to minimum wage. Despite this, employers may try to deceive new workers. If you find you’re being paid less than minimum wage, then your employer is engaging in wage theft.
#3. Working off the clock
Your employer may ask you to clock out but then ask you to continue working. While this would, typically, give you overtime pay, because your employer asked you to clock out, they’re likely taking wages from you. Another way your employer is stealing your pay is by asking you to work over your lunch break without pay.
#4. Worker misclassification
Every employee has a classification that entitles them to certain benefits or pay rates. You may find that you’ve been misclassified, allowing your employer to limit how much you’re paid and avoid paying minimum wage and overtime.
#5. Losing employee tips
Many people earn a large portion of their wages through tips. Some employers will pool tips together and give employees each a portion of the tips. However, some employers will take the tips for their workers or take a portion of the tips. This may be considered wage theft.
If you find that you’re a victim of wage theft, then you may need to find out more about your legal options to ensure you’re paid for your time and work.