OVERTIME PAY

Overtime pay can add up to hundreds of extra dollars in your paycheck. Unfortunately, when your employer ignores or misinterprets labor laws, you may lose the overtime pay to which you are entitled.

If you have questions about the way your Virginia employer pays overtime, contact the knowledgeable employment law attorneys at Marks & Harrison. We can be reached toll-free at 1-800-283-2202, or you can submit a Case Evaluation online . We have offices conveniently located throughout Virginia, including in Richmond, Hopewell, Petersburg, Charlottesville, Tappahannock, Louisa and Staunton.

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets out the federal rules on employee compensation, including wage, hour and overtime laws. The federal overtime law is straightforward: if you are in a nonexempt job covered by the act, your employer must pay you overtime at one and one-half times the regular rate for any time worked over 40 hours in a week.

What is the difference between an exempt and nonexempt job? Traditionally, employees who are paid a fixed salary are considered exempt, although there are some exceptions. Employees who are paid an hourly wage, or make less than $455 per week, are generally considered nonexempt.

If you are in a nonexempt job covered by FLSA laws, you may not be receiving full compensation for your overtime work if:

• You are asked to work “off the clock;”
• You are automatically clocked out for breaks or lunch, whether you take the time or not;
• You are paid your hourly wage for overtime;
• You are paid less than minimum wage;
• You are given comp time for your overtime hours;
• You are mistakenly treated as exempt.

The reality is that many employers misunderstand or misapply overtime laws. Other employers willfully violate the laws to earn more money at the expense of their employees.

When employers do not pay for overtime work, employees can bring a lawsuit to recover the wages to which they are entitled. The recovery may include an additional penalty over and above the employee’s unpaid overtime, as well as attorney’s fees.

If you think you have been unjustly denied overtime pay, you should not wait to bring your claim, because your rights can quickly expire. Contact the employment attorneys of Marks & Harrison for a free, no-obligation and confidential consultation. Our VA labor lawyers will work tirelessly on your behalf to make sure you get the pay you deserve.

Contact the Virginia law firm of Marks & Harrison today by calling toll free at 1-800-283-2202. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also submit a Case Evaluation online or send us an email at lawyers@marksandharrison.com.