As an employee, you expect to be paid fairly based on a variety of state and federal laws. For example, each state has a minimum wage that companies must pay all employees.
As unfortunate as it may be, some people take a job and continue to work without completely understanding if they are being treated fairly. For this reason, it is imperative to answer the appropriate fair wages questions as soon as possible. Some of these include:
— Should you be paid overtime wages? This depends on many details, including two sets of laws that are in place. First things first, does your company fit within the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)? Secondly, you need to understand your state’s laws concerning overtime pay.
Note: Your employment class will also determine if you qualify for overtime pay.
— Can I be paid less than minimum wage if you receive payment in tips? This depends on the state, but the typical answer is yes. If you earn tips, minimum wage laws can be a bit complicated.
Note: In California, for example, all employers must pay minimum wage, even if employees receive tips.
— Does my company have to pay me for training? In short, if the company requires the training you should be paid for the time that you put in.
When it comes to fair wages, there should not be any gray area. You should be paid what you deserve, in accordance with the law, without question. If this doesn’t happen, learn more about your rights and how they fit within both federal and state laws.
Source: FindLaw, “Fair Wages FAQ,” accessed Nov. 10, 2015
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