Here are some ways that employers have tried to avoid paying overtime in Brownsville

Brownsville, TX – Overtime laws ensure that employers will have to compensate hourly workers at a higher rate for all time worked beyond forty hours within a week. While this seems like a fairly straightforward concept, certain employers have tried to figure out ways to avoid paying overtime by engaging in illegal practices. It is helpful for workers to understand how these kinds of issues can happen to protect their own interests and ensure that they are compensated properly. If a worker believes that they were not compensated properly, they can file an unpaid wage claim with the Texas Workforce Commission and speak with a lawyer.

Telling all workers that they are salaried

There are workers that may only receive a base salary regardless of how many or few hours they put in during the course of a week. This is generally limited to certain office employees and administrators, while all other workers should be considered hourly for the purposes of proper pay and overtime. Some employers have been known to simply apply the salaried classification to all workers across the board whether it is accurate or not.

Using only independent contractors

Because an independent contractor is not considered an employee of the company and they can set their own hours, they do not receive overtime pay. However, in situations where a person is putting in extensive hours from one company to the point where they do not have time to work for anyone else and receiving specific direction from them regarding when and where they can work, this is likely an employment relationship. If the person is considered an employee, then overtime pay laws will apply to them.

Asking for work off the clock

If a person who has already clocked out for the day is asked to do additional work as a favor or the employer tells them they are required to do this additional labor, they need to be compensated at least at their standard rate, or at an overtime rate if they have exceeded forty hours. Employers cannot essentially make up excuses to get additional free work out of a person.

Labor attorneys in Texas

Moore and Associates is a firm that works with people who are having various labor and employment law issues in the area of Brownsville and other parts of Texas. Their attorneys are available to meet with anyone who needs to get advice regarding a lawsuit for compensation against an employer.

USAttorneys.com is a service that helps people find the right lawyer in their state anywhere in the country. Those who are currently searching for a lawyer can call 800-672-3103 for more information.

Firm contact info:

Moore & Associates

440 Louisiana Street, Suite 675, Houston, TX 77002

713-222-6775