What are Wage and Hour Disputes?
Employees work day in and day out and expect to earn the wages they are
promised as a part of their employment. Unfortunately, for several different
reasons, there are times when employers may not pay their employees full wages.
As a result, the employee may file a lawsuit for wage and hour disputes based on the situation involved, how much has been withheld, and more. These legal matters are designed to help the employee get the money they have earned back from their employer.
Missing Pay for Overtime Hours Worked
When someone works beyond the designated 40 hours each week, the employer must pay the employee an overtime rate for the hours. This is a special rate that pays more to compensate for the extra amount of time the employee works.
Oftentimes, because these rates can be much higher than original wages, the employer will take steps to try and avoid paying overtime wages. This may include altering the employee’s time cards to remove overtime hours worked.
Improper Deductions
Certain deductions are not allowed for specific employees, but this does not stop employers from taking out of a worker’s pay. This is very common for exempt employees in various situations. Some common improper deductions include:
- Deducting for a day in which inclement weather forced the employer to close
- Deducting for a specific number of days when the employee is summoned for jury duty
- Deducting for a partial day when an employee has to attend a parent-teacher conference
Meal and Rest Violations
The state of Michigan does not require employers to provide meal and rest periods, but if they provide employees with such breaks, they must relieve the employees of work duties during that period in order for it to be unpaid. If the employer doesn’t inform the employee of this and they continue to work during a period the employer deems unpaid, it is a violation of the employees’ rights.
At Fieger Law, we aim to help you protect your rights as an employee. We bring countless years of experience to help you pursue the wages you earned and deserve through the necessary legal action available.