State and federal law protects workers from unfair employment practices regarding how much they earn, the amount of hours worked, and the general terms of their employment. This means that your employer cannot ask you to work off the clock, and you are guaranteed minimum wages and overtime pay. If you were subject to unlawful treatment, contact our experienced wage and hour attorney at Feldman Legal Group for assistance.
As seasoned employment attorneys, we can review your case to determine if you were compensated fairly and if you are entitled to relief for any common wage and hour violations in Tampa. Our dedicated legal professionals will work to protect your rights.
Examples of Frequent Wage and Hour Violations
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), workers are entitled to minimum wage and overtime pay for hours worked beyond the standard forty-hour work week. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. However, many states, including Florida, require employers to pay a higher minimum wage. In Florida, employees are entitled to a minimum wage of $12.00 per hour.
By violating these or various other wage or labor laws, Tampa employers commit wage and hour violations that can lead to significant penalties and impact their employee’s ability to earn an income.
Some common examples of wage and hour violations include:
Misclassifying Overtime Pay
Some employers claim that salaried employees are exempt from overtime. However, in some instances, salaried employees may be entitled to overtime pay.
Miscalculating Overtime Pay
Employers may also miscalculate overtime payments to their workers.
Wage Deductions
Employers cannot make deductions from a paycheck unless provided for by federal or state law.
Failure to Compensate Employees for Work off the Clock
It is unlawful for an employer to require an employee to work off the clock and not compensate them for their time.
Failing to Pay After Resignation or Termination
Employees are entitled to pay for hours worked, even if they quit or are fired from a position. This also includes unpaid vacation and wages.
Failure to Pay Commissions
Employees who earn commissions are also entitled to protections under the FLSA.
Illegally Pooling Tips
There are specific laws regarding who tipped workers share tips with, and breaking these rules can lead to violations. This is common among restaurant workers and other tipped employees.
Misclassifying Independent Contractors
Independent contractors are contracted for employees. As such, employers who classify workers as independent contractors but treat them as full-time employees can be subject to penalties under the FLSA.
Deferring Compensation
Employees have a right to receive their paycheck in a timely manner.
Failure to Pay Minimum Wage
All employees, even tipped workers, are entitled to Florida’s minimum wage. If an employer fails to pay employees the difference between their hourly wage and the state’s minimum wage, it is a violation of labor law.
These are only some of the ways employers in Tampa commonly violate wage and labor protections. If you have been subject to unfair employment practices, contact our skilled wage and hour lawyer, Mitchell Feldman, to discuss your rights.
Talk to Our Tampa Attorney About Common Wage and Hour Violations
If your employer refuses to compensate you for overtime, hours worked, or during your meal breaks, it is a violation of federal labor law. These common wage and hour violations in Tampa are a serious problem and can impact your ability to earn an income. Our team of dedicated legal professionals at Feldman Legal Group can assist you by pursuing relief under the FLSA.
Contact our office today to learn more about your employment rights.