Laws Are In Place for Fair Pay

There are laws, both federal and state, in place to protect workers’ rights. Employers have a legal obligation to pay their employees fairly for their labor. A federal law, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes worker rights to a minimum wage, and in Ohio employees are guaranteed a higher amount than what is protected through the FLSA. This is, in part, to keep wages fair with employees living in communities with rising prices in the state of Ohio.

Being paid fairly is your right. Also, through the FLSA, employees are entitled to overtime pay when they work more than 40 hours within a workweek. It also protects minors from child labor. If you have any questions about your right to fair pay, talk to a Columbus wage and hour attorney.

Not Every Employee Shares FLSA Protections

There are times when workers are not protected under the FLSA. For example, a lot of employees are not entitled to overtime pay. Some or all positions under the following categories may find themselves not legally entitled to overtime wages from their employer.

• Professional positions that are executive or administrative
• Employees who hold sales positions
• Farmworkers and agricultural workers
• Workers who are highly compensated

There are other exemptions as well. Discussing your circumstances with a legal professional is the best way to protect your rights. Agricultural workers, for example, follow how many days a worker has labored over a set amount of time rather than following the overtime rules of a 40-hour work week. That said, these workers do have separate protections under the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act under the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor, including provisions that ensure safe housing for agricultural employees.  A seasoned lawyer will know what path to resolution is best for your situation.

Talk to an Attorney About the Fair Pay Act

There are other ways pay is protected, including the Fair Pay Act with prohibits a discrimination in wages because of an employee’s national origin, race, or sex. The issue that has to be proven is that the wage is not equal to others who are working equivalent positions. Proving a job is equivalent weights on assessing the effort, skill, working environment, and responsibility of positions.

A Columbus wage and hour attorney will be able to tell you if you have a case in connection with the Fair Pay Act. A class action lawsuit may be possible. Once a lawsuit is filed, there could be the possibility of securing damages, both punitive and compensatory.

If you believe your employer has withheld your wages or denied your right to fair compensation, connect with an employees’ rights attorney who is experienced in handling wage and hour issues.

Do you think you have been denied your right to fair pay? Contact the Columbus wage and hour attorneys at Coffman Legal LLC today. We are strong and committed advocates for all Ohio workers and use our experience and knowledge to help you. Call 614-949-1181 for a free and confidential consultation with an unpaid wages or unpaid overtime lawyer.