Many employers around the world are committed to following all state and federal wage and hour laws to ensure their hardworking employees receive what they are owed for the work they do. Sometimes, however, even the most well-intentioned employer may end up violating one or more of these wage and hour laws, resulting in the underpayment of wages.
Here are some of the most common wage violations that occur in the workplace:
- Misclassification of employees: Employers may intentionally or unintentionally classify employees as independent contractors or classify non-exempt employees as exempt.
- Failure to pay minimum wage: Failure to pay $10 per hour in minimum wage to employees covered by Florida wage laws.
- Failure to pay for off-the-clock work: Employers requiring employees to work before their shift officially begins or after their shift officially ends, but failing to pay them for those extra hours.
- Failure to pay overtime: Failing to pay non-exempt employees at a rate of one-and-one-half times their rate of pay for hours worked over 40 per week.
- Failure to provide meal/rest breaks: Failure to provide paid meal and rest breaks to covered employees.
- Illegal deductions from paycheck: Taking money out of an employee’s paycheck in a way that is not authorized by law.
The process of filing a wage theft claim can be overwhelming, as can facing charges for wage and hour violations. Both employers and employees may benefit from seeking counsel from a qualified employment law attorney. Your attorney can gather the necessary evidence and build a case in your favor.