Wage theft is a very real problem for a number of workers across the country. Not getting paid for the exact number of hours worked in a week is both frustrating and illegal.
Most common among service industry and shift workers, wage theft refers to various infractions that result in workers not receiving their legally promised income.
There are variety of tactics employers use to steal from their employees, including:
- Working off the clock – If your employer has you come in early to prep for the day or clean up after your work is complete while not clocked in, this is a form of wage theft. Working without taking legally required breaks is another way employers steal from their employees.
- Misclassifying employees – A common way employers deny workers their benefits is to misclassify employees as independent contractors even if they were formerly hired by the company. Not having to pay workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance cheats misclassified workers while saving the company money.
- Deducting illegal expenses – Some employers make employees pay for the utilities bill and other business expenses by deducting the expenses from their paychecks. This is another work theft strategy.
- Not paying overtime – If you work more than 40 hours in a week, you are entitled to overtime as an hourly worker. Employers who refuse to pay it are breaking the law.
- Paying below the minimum wage – State, local and the federal government determine the minimum wage for hourly workers. Hourly employees are entitled to receive at least the minimum wage. Employers cannot pay you less.
If you believe you have been a victim of wage theft, contact the experienced employment law attorneys at GWC Injury Lawyers to learn more about your legal options. Schedule a free, no obligation case review today.
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