Wage theft has become a popular term these days. What once was believed to be a common problem for low-wage service employees has now become an issue for Americans everywhere. Whether an employee is not receiving their overtime pay, the incorrect pay, or not receiving their pay at all, there is something that can be done about it.
What Is Wage Theft?
The technical definition of wage theft is the illegal withholdings of wages, or the denial of benefits that are rightfully owed to an employee. Wage theft does cover a wide range of situations in which an employee does not receive their contractually promised wages. The most common types of wage theft are failure to pay overtime, misclassification of an employee, illegal deductions, and underpayment of wages. Wage theft is a violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA), which set guidelines for minimum wage, which varies by state, and for the payment of overtime, which is paid out as time and a half if worked over 40 hours. In addition, wage theft also violates many tax laws, especially when there is a misclassification of an employee.
What Can I Do?
Since wage theft can occur to anyone, at any company, it is critical to ensure that you are receiving your legally contractual pay. If you feel that you are a victim of wage theft, it is essential that you direct your concerns to your employer. In the event that you have done so, and there has not been a resolution, it may in your best interest to consult with an employment lawyer, especially since overtime and wage laws are so complex.
The employment lawyers at Maduff & Maduff, LLC have decades of experience in employment and civil rights litigation, and are fully dedicated to helping you with your employment-related issues. No matter if you have a wage theft concern, or a discrimination issue, contact us for help today.