What is the difference between payroll mistakes and wage theft in Killeen?

Killeen, TX – Workers in Texas and other states lose millions of dollars each year due to mistakes with their pay. Much wage theft also goes unnoticed, as many workers do not check their pay statements thoroughly and they are not aware of the labor laws that protect their interests. There are some differences between payroll errors and intentional schemes designed to underpay workers, however all people who have not been paid properly should be compensated their full outstanding amount. They can also get a labor lawyer to help with this process if necessary.

Payroll problems and wage laws

It is fairly common for workers to occasionally notice some kind of mistake on their pay. In many situations, the employer may find that there was some kind of accounting error or mistake with payroll programs that they use. If the employer corrects the issue and pays the worker properly, there will not be a need to take further action. However, laws against wage theft protect all workers, and the employer is responsible for paying workers properly and having accurate records of each worker’s time and total compensation. These same laws state that a worker needs to be paid for all of the time that they have worked, including overtime, otherwise the employee can take various actions to receive the amount of outstanding compensation.

Wage theft issues

Every time a worker is not paid properly, this is considered wage theft. Whether the employer has made an honest mistake or is purposely trying to save money by not paying their workers, the person is entitled to a remedy that includes their full outstanding pay, plus the possibility of other damages such as interest on late wages or liquidated damages for violating an employment agreement.

Another common problem is unpaid overtime for workers that have more than forty hours in a seven day consecutive period. Even if the employer is unaware of applicable overtime laws or misunderstands them, the employee still needs to be paid correctly and they can file a complaint with the Texas Workforce commission if necessary. The overtime rate needs to be at least one and one half the person’s standard hourly rate. The commission can fine the employer or issue other sanctions based on what they find when investigating.

Labor attorneys are available in Killeen

Moore and Associates is a firm that works on various labor and employment law issues. Their lawyers focus on unpaid wages, overtime law, discrimination, and sexual harassment.

USAttorneys.com is a service that connects people with lawyers in every city around the country. People who are looking for a legal professional in their area can call 800-672-3103

Firm contact info:

Moore & Associates

440 Louisiana Street, Suite 675, Houston, TX 77002

713-222-6775