Federal and state overtime laws protect workers by requiring that employers pay at least time and a half for each overtime hour worked. Unfortunately, many employers cut corners, confident that they will never be found out. The net result? Columbus workers individually lose out on hundreds and thousands of dollars each year. If you suspect you are not being paid for all your hours, please contact a Columbus unpaid overtime attorney. You might have a legal case for compensation.
Every state is free to set its own overtime laws. However, the federal law sets the floor, which is the minimum protection available.
Currently, employees must receive 1.5 times their base rate of pay for every hour worked over 40 in a workweek. This means that if an employee makes $10 an hour and works 44 hours in a week, she must be paid at least $15 for the four hours she worked over 40.
All employees, even salaried employees, are eligible for overtime pay unless they are classified as exempt under federal law. There are many exempt categories of employees, including managers, executives, and professionals. You can speak to an attorney if you have a question about whether you are exempt.
A federal agency, the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, is charged with investigating allegations that employers are not paying overtime wages. You can file a complaint with them by visiting their nearest local office.
Some states have chosen to create more worker-friendly overtime laws than the federal government. Ohio is not one of them. Instead, Ohio’s law closely follows federal law. Employees are entitled to 1.5 their base rate of pay for every hour worked over 40 in a week.
You can report a violation to the Department of Commerce Wage and Hour Division. There is a form you can fill out and submit, but employees should consider bringing a private lawsuit instead.
Both federal and state laws empower workers to go into court and sue for unpaid overtime instead of going through the administrative complaint process. This option is often ideal because you get to control the timing of your lawsuit and can feel fully involved in the process.
Private lawsuits are definitely worth your time. Under federal law, for example, you can receive:
An experienced Columbus unpaid overtime attorney can help you make a compelling case and receive the money to which you are entitled. Collect evidence, such as pay stubs, an employment contract, copies of timesheets, etc., and schedule a consultation today. Hiring an attorney is possible since reasonable attorneys’ fees are available if you win.
Non-exempt employees should be paid for all the hours they worked, regardless of their immigration status. To meet with a Columbus unpaid overtime attorney, please schedule a consultation with us today.
Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC is a leading wage and hour law firm serving Columbus. We have an unparalleled track record of success.
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