Fort Myers Wage & Hour Lawyer

While unemployment is currently low, the average American worker has not seen their wages increase in the last 40 or more years, according to the Pew Research Center. Even worse, many employers unlawfully retain wages, cut wage, pay below Florida minimum wage, fail to pay for overtime, misclassify workers as independent contractors, or fail to pay employees for “off the clock” work. Usually when employees complain about these issues, their employer either ignores them or makes excuses. At worst, the worst employers threaten to retaliate or fire the employee. It can feel like you have no rights, no options to compensation and no voice, when in fact you do. By working with a Fort Myers wage and hour lawyer, you can make sure your employer hears you very well. Call the Pendas Law Firm for more information.

Two Common Florida Laws That Are Violated by Employers

• Florida’s Minimum Wage is $8.46 Per Hour—Employers must pay at least $8.46 per hour in the state of Florida. There are almost no exceptions to this law, with waiters being one of the very few.
• Failure to Pay Overtime—Hourly employees must be paid time and a half for every hour in excess of 40 per week. As such, every hour over 40 per week is worth 50 percent more than normal. Employees who fail to pay overtime wages are violating the law.

There is No Such Thing as “Off the Clock” Work for Hourly Employees

Some employers routinely ask, or demand, employees to perform job duties before they show up to work, during their breaks, or after they leave the workplace. You must be paid for every minute of work you do, as an hourly employee, and employers cannot ask you to do anything off the clock.

Misclassifying Workers as Independent Contractors

Another way that employers get out of paying their employees minimum wage is by classifying them as independent contractors, who get paid a certain amount for completing a project. If the project is large and time consuming, the worker may end up making less than minimum wage on it. Furthermore, as an independent contractor, the worker is not entitled to any overtime pay, group health care if that is offered by the employer, bonuses, family and medical leave, other benefits and protections, and workers’ compensation, according to the Department of Labor. If you have been misclassified as an independent contractor by an employer who is putting profits before their employees, you need to talk to an attorney.

A Fort Myers Wage and Hour Lawyer Can Help You Today

Whether your employer has simply refused to pay your wages, continues to pay you weeks late, is paying below minimum wage, or you believe is violating any other law, the time to speak up is now. Only you and an experienced Fort Myers wage and hour dispute attorney can hold your employer accountable. To schedule a free consultation with The Pendas Law Firm call 1-844-200-0000 today.