Florida Overtime Wage Claims

[Joseph M. Maus]

In the workplace, it often seems like employers hold the ultimate power. They have the final say on how much workers get paid, how many hours they work, and who works and who is fired. Given such power, workers often feel intimidated and fail to question or challenge employers who violate their rights. Alternatively, workers may not even know what their rights are. Overtime wages is a common area where employers take advantage of their workers, and employees should protect themselves by becoming familiar with the applicable labor laws.

In the United States, one of the primary laws dealing with overtime is the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), passed in 1937. It established a legal work week of 40 hours, mandating a special overtime rate of 1.5 times normal wages for any hours worked beyond that limit.

One of the common ways that employers avoid paying overtime is by forcing workers to work “off the clock.” This practice involves prohibiting employers from recording the total number of hours worked, not paying for time spent on legally mandated breaks, forcing employees to work weekends without clocking in, or ordering employees to report an artificially low number of hours worked. Many employees who fall victim to these practices are unaware that they are illegal in the U.S. and that they are entitled to overtime pay.

Other common misconceptions about overtime pay include the fact that you may have a Florida overtime wage claim and be entitled to further compensation even if you are:

• Paid a salary
• Compensated by tips
• Paid on a piecemeal basis
• Not a U.S. citizen
• Missing records for all hours worked

An important concern for workers whose employers are not properly compensating them for overtime worked is that if they file a complaint, they risk losing their job or other punishments. Fortunately for workers, the FLSA prohibits employers from engaging in any retaliation against a worker who asserts his or her rights.

Workers who are concerned about their rights under the FLSA should contact a professional overtime attorney. Experienced attorneys know the complex labor laws extremely well and can help you recover the Florida overtime wage that may be owed to you, in addition to potential damage claims.

If you have a question or need information about Florida overtime wage claims, contact Florida overtime attorney Joseph M. Maus at 1-866-556-5529, visit his website at www.jmmlawyers.com, or email him today. The Law Office of Joseph M. Maus and Associates has handled some of the largest Florida overtime wage claims. Attorneys in their office were recently appointed in Federal Court as lead counsel in an Overtime Class Action against a large Fortune 500 Company. Call their offices today for a free consultation or to obtain more information on Florida overtime wage claims.