Class action lawsuits have become a popular way for employees to seek compensation for the work they have performed if an employer is withholding funds.
Employers have a duty to provide you with items like breaks and overtime pay—that includes compensation if you end up doing things like working through your lunch break or staying after work to accomplish tasks.
It is becoming increasingly common for people in food service, retail and tech positions to take their employers to court over unfair pay practices. Recently, a lawsuit in California was granted class action status accusing Apple of violating labor laws when it came to employee breaks and overtime payments.
The case represents nearly 21,000 Apple employees who claim that they did not receive 30-minute lunch breaks within their first five hours at work each day and were not provide a 10-minute rest break every four hours (this is in violation of California law, each state has its own laws regarding breaks and compensation).
What Should I do if my Employer Owes me Back Pay?
Keep in mind, in cases involving non-exempt employees, workers who perform more than 40 hours per week of work should be paid one and one-half times their regular pay rate. Laws exist through the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which govern overtime pay.
When an employer forces an employee to work through lunch breaks or over their allotted shift, it is possible that an employee will be paid an illegal amount that is too low. Remember, you are entitled to fair compensation for all of the hours you work. If this is not occurring, contact (800) 711-5258 or fill out our online contact form.
You should hold corporations liable if you have been wronged and are owed back pay.
Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C. – Class Action Lawyers