The first step in identifying wage violations is to understand your rights under federal, state, and local labor laws. Key regulations include:

• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): This federal law sets minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards. Under the FLSA, non-exempt employees must receive overtime pay at a rate of one and a half times their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
• State and Local Laws: These laws may provide additional protections, such as higher minimum wages, different overtime rules, and specific requirements for meal and rest breaks.

Your pay stubs provide essential information about your earnings and deductions. Review your pay stubs regularly to ensure:

• Hourly Rate or Salary: Verify that your hourly rate or salary matches what was agreed upon in your employment contract.
• Overtime Pay: Confirm that any overtime hours are paid at the correct rate.
• Deductions: Ensure that any deductions are lawful and properly documented.

Keeping an accurate record of the hours you work is crucial for identifying potential wage violations. This can include:

• Daily Log: Maintain a daily log of your start and end times, including any breaks.
• Timekeeping Systems: Use your employer’s timekeeping systems, such as punch cards or digital clock-ins, and keep personal records as a backup.

Common wage violations include:

• Unpaid Overtime: Not paying employees the correct overtime rate for hours worked beyond the standard 40-hour workweek.
• Minimum Wage Violations: Paying less than the federal, state, or local minimum wage.
• Misclassification: Incorrectly classifying employees as exempt from overtime or as independent contractors to avoid paying overtime or benefits.
• Off-the-Clock Work: Requiring employees to work before clocking in or after clocking out without compensation.
• Illegal Deductions: Making unauthorized deductions from wages for uniforms, tools, or other items.

Research the standard wages for your position and industry to ensure you are being paid competitively. Online resources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry-specific wage surveys can provide valuable insights.

Review your company’s employee handbook or policies to understand your employer’s wage and hour policies. This can help you identify any discrepancies between company policy and your actual pay.

If you suspect you are being underpaid, it may be beneficial to consult with an employment law attorney. An experienced attorney can:

• Review Your Case: Assess whether your situation constitutes a wage violation.
• Provide Guidance: Advise you on the best course of action, whether it’s negotiating with your employer or pursuing legal action.
• File a Complaint: Help you file a complaint with the appropriate labor agency, such as the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division.

Understanding wage violations is essential for ensuring that you are fairly compensated for your work. By knowing your rights, keeping accurate records, and seeking professional advice, you can protect yourself against underpayment and wage theft. At Employee Law Group, we specialize in employment law and are dedicated to protecting workers’ rights. If you believe you are being underpaid or have experienced any form of wage violation, contact us today for a consultation. Let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.