by Atty. Richard Bush
Green Haines Sgambati
www.greenhaines.com
In this troubled economy, data suggests that wage and hour violations in the workplace are on the rise. Compliance surveys over the past decade have exposed rampant abuse of wage and hour laws by employers.
Common violations include:
• improperly classifying employees as exempt from overtime (salaried employees are not always exempt)
• improperly classifying employees as independent contractors
• failure to pay the minimum wage (currently $7.30 per hour in Ohio)
• “off the clock” work and “unauthorized” overtime
• failing to include non-discretionary bonuses in calculating overtime
• improper wage deductions
• failure to pay on time
These violations hurt working people struggling to make ends meet, and also adversely affect law-abiding employers through unfair competition.
How serious is the problem? One Department of Labor survey of 136 nursing homes revealed more than half were violating the wage laws. Violations are common in restaurant, retail, technical services, construction, and many other industries.
Employees who suffer such violations have the right to pursue remedies under Federal and/or State law. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that back wage recoveries increased by 67% from 2001-2007.
In some cases, employees who prove violations may recover up to double damages in overtime claims and up to triple damages in minimum wage claims, plus attorney fees. Further, the law strictly prohibits retaliation against employees who file wage and hour complaints.
The attorneys of Green Haines Sgambati have represented hundreds of employees who have been unfairly victimized. If you believe you have suffered a minimum wage or overtime violation, call us for a free initial consultation.
CONTACT ATTY. BUSH
CALL 1.800.362.0204
Green Haines Sgambati
www.greenhaines.com
