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  • Hey, without Scrooge, A Christmas Carol

  • would be a pretty boring story.

  • Problem is, he's not the world's only terrible boss.

  • When an employer withholds wages that an employee has rightfully earned,

  • there is legal action that can be taken.

  • First, you should be aware of some of the general things

  • employers can and can't do.

  • Every employer must pay at least the hourly minimum wage

  • for regular work time, and at least time and a half

  • for every hour worked over 40 per week.

  • An employer is additionally responsible for keeping equal wages

  • for all employees with the same experience level,

  • no matter race or gender.

  • And improperly classifying employees,

  • for example, someone classified as part time

  • when in reality they work full time, is also prohibited.

  • If you feel you have a case to make against your employer

  • and decide to file, you must first send

  • a written notice to your employer stating your intentions.

  • If you are an employee of a large company

  • that handles business across different states,

  • you're protected by something called the Fair Labor Standards Act.

  • This is overseen by the US Department of Labor.

  • So you have the option of pursuing your wage dispute

  • federally under these guidelines.

  • Otherwise, state minimum wage laws will most likely apply.

  • Another thing to keep in mind is that an employer

  • doesn't own any wages to an employee

  • while a wage dispute is going on between them.

  • Now, sometimes wage laws are violated across the whole workforces

  • and company divisions.

  • Often in these instances, unions get involved.

  • And collective bargaining agreements come into play.

  • Now, not every worker is technically considered an employee,

  • and therefore not protected under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

  • These include independent contractors, outside executives, administrative,

  • and sales employees even if paid a salary.

  • Babysitters hired casually,

  • and farm workers working on small farms,

  • plus other exemptions.

  • Check with human resources to see if you are an exempted employee

  • under FLSA, or consult with LegalYou.

  • No matter how big the employer,

  • you're as entitled under the law as they are.

  • And LegalYou is there to help you take them on.

  • LegalYou, where you are your own best lawyer.

Hey, without Scrooge, A Christmas Carol

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