What is retaliation against workers who report wage theft in Midland?

Midland, TX – As a basic principle, employers need to actually pay their workers for their time spent working at their direction, and they need to make some basic steps to insure that the amount actually paid out is correct. If a workplace does not do so, the worker has the ability to report their employer and take various actions, including making sure that the money owed is actually paid out to them. However, many employers become frustrated when this happens, and they look to make the worker suffer from various consequences as a form of punishment. If the employer retaliates in this manner, they will likely be sued and have to pay out more damages to the victim.

Applicable wage laws

Employers in Texas are required to follow various regulations related to paying their workers. This includes following minimum wage laws, paying overtime when applicable, keeping records of all of each employee’s hours, and making sure that the employee is paid accurately for the time that they have worked. Any violation of these kinds of regulations that results in the worker being paid less than they are owed is considered a form of wage theft and this is illegal.

Reporting wage theft

A worker who finds that some of their pay is missing is allowed to file an unpaid wage claim with the Texas Workforce Commission and get legal advice. The employer may potentially be investigated, fined based on the results of the investigation, and then made to pay out the missing wages. In some cases, this can obviously cause the worker’s superiors to become frustrated and want to take action against the employee.

What is retaliation?

Retaliation is when the worker is negatively affected due to their prior actions of reporting wage theft. If a worker who has recently reported wage theft suddenly finds that they have been disciplined, terminated, demoted, had changes in job duties, or denied benefits, these can all be forms of retaliation. It is possible for a worker in this situation to get legal advice and have their attorney look into the matter further, as retaliating against a worker who has asserted any legally protected right. The employer can face additional legal action and financial losses for punishing a worker who has reported any kind of unpaid wages or overtime.

Labor lawyers are available in Texas

Moore and Associates works with people who have workplace problems in Midland and other parts of Texas. Their lawyers focus on issues related to sexual harassment, unpaid wages, overtime law violations, and discrimination.

USAttorneys.com is a service that helps people find lawyers in their city. Anyone who needs assistance with locating the right attorney based on their situation can call 800-672-3103

Firm contact info:

Moore & Associates

440 Louisiana Street, Suite 675, Houston, TX 77002

713-222-6775