With unemployment peaking at 9.3% in Washington State, some employers are taking advantage of the economic situation and unknowingly breaking the law. In an attempt to avoid lay-offs, many employers are cutting costs by either lowering employees’ wages or increasing hours without paying overtime.
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires overtime pay for employees, with some exemptions. Those working at a minimum wage or earning less than $23,660.00 annually, must be paid overtime. Washington State’s minimum wage is $8.55. Managers, some salespeople, and employees earning over $100,000.00 are exempt from mandatory overtime pay.
However, overtime is increasingly being expected by employers in this wireless age. Work cell phones, blackberries and laptops enable employees to be connected to work 24/7. With that constant connection, employers’ expectations shift from an 8-hour traditional work day to longer hours, and odd hours.
The Department of Labor (DOL) investigates alleged violations of various employment laws. However, according to a Government Accountability Office report, due to the increased number of complaints, the DOL is not able to properly handle most complaints.
If you were recently laid off or fired and worked overtime without extra pay or experienced a reduction in pay, you may have an employment claim against your former employer. Call The Filutowski Law Firm for a free consultation.
Very nice information. Thanks for this.
the last quarter of 2009 seems promising as we have seen lots of signs of econic recovery against the massive economic recession. i hope that in 2010 all our economies would be back on track. recession really sucks.