Workers in Wisconsin usually want to do a good job at work, put in the required hours — or more — and receive fair compensation for their efforts. Sadly, some employers try to get out of paying workers what they deserve. If you are not sure whether your boss violated employment law regarding your compensation, keep some of the following in mind.
Not every worker automatically receives overtime pay. If you are classified as an independent contractor or an exempt employee, your boss does not have to provide overtime pay when you work more than 40 hours in a single week. Unfortunately, some employers purposely misclassify workers to avoid paying overtime.
Working longer than 40 hours per week is not the only way that your boss might be violating wage and hour law. For example, requiring you to work during your lunch break, answer emails and phone calls at home, travel between work sites on personal time or even attend unpaid training are all examples of violations. Other violations include requiring you to work while off the clock or making illegal deductions from your paycheck.
Your rights do not disappear once you enter into employment, and your boss should not expect you to work without fair compensation. Sadly, some Wisconsin employers bank on the hope that you and other workers do not understand your rights or are too worried about maintaining employment to raise your concerns. You deserve better than this. If you suspect that your employer is violating employment law, you can visit our website to learn more about your options.