Every employee is entitled to fair compensation. State laws outline the minimum wages, overtime rules, and payment schedules that employers must follow.
If you are a worker, it is important to understand Elyria wage and hour laws and know your rights to protect your financial future. However, wage and hour laws can be complex. Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney can better equip employees to enforce their rights in the workplace and recognize violations.
Minimum Wage is a Federal Labor Law
In 1938, the United States Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) created the first minimum wage. Today, this law remains in effect and mandates a federal minimum wage of $7.25 for most employees. While federal law prohibits states from setting minimum wage rates below $7.25, state legislatures may enforce higher minimum wage requirements. For example, Ohio law requires that employers provide a minimum hourly wage of $8.70 per hour.
Who is Not Covered by Minimum Wage Laws in Elyria?
Unfortunately, not all employees are covered by minimum wage laws. In some circumstances, employers may pay the following types of workers less than minimum wage:
- Waitstaff
- Bartenders
- Taxi drivers
- Any employees who earn tips
- Agricultural workers
However, very specific conditions must be met in order for employers to legally avoid minimum wage requirements. Where such conditions are not met, employees may pursue a lawsuit alleging the non-payment of wages under Ohio Revised Code § 4111.10 and the FLSA. An experienced attorney in the area can help a worker demand compensation for unpaid wages as well as attorney’s fees and court costs.
Overtime Payment Laws
Equally important to minimum wage regulations are the laws that require overtime payment. These laws fall under federal jurisdiction in the FLSA. Unfortunately, Ohio lawmakers have not taken the step of increasing protection for overtime pay.
Instead, Ohio Revised Code § 4111.03 mirrors the federal law, which states that employees must receive one and a half times their hourly rate for all hours worked in excess of 40 in any given week. For example, if a person’s usual hourly rate is $10, all hours that they work in excess of 40 in a week must be compensated at a rate of $15 per hour.
Federal regulations provide narrowly defined exemptions to overtime requirements for certain employees. For instance, professionals paid on a salaried basis are exempt from overtime regulations. However, to qualify for an exemption, employees’ job duties and salaries must meet specific tests set out by the Department of Labor. Employers that improperly classify employees as exempt are liable to employees for back pay.
Employees who believe that they have not received proper compensation for overtime can pursue legal remedies in court. A skilled lawyer at our firm can help Elyria employees determine whether they have a viable claim for overtime compensation against their employer.
Call an Attorney to Learn More About Elyria Wage and Hours Laws
Federal and state wage and hour laws aim to provide basic protections for employees. For most people, these protections include minimum wage and overtime compensation.
Unfortunately, employers often attempt to circumvent wage and hour laws, by improperly classifying employees or refusing to provide pay in a timely manner. In any of these scenarios, it is best that you hire a hardworking attorney to explain the Elyria wage and hours laws and help you pursue fair pay in court. Call Tittle & Perlmuter today to set up an initial consultation.