As a business owner, keeping informed about the finer points of employment law is important. If you're getting ready to hire your first employees, you need to be sure that you understand exactly what you can and cannot do. Don't risk getting yourself into legal trouble by asking the wrong question at the interview or making an off-hand comment that's considered legally unacceptable. I created this site to give you the basics of employment law expectations. I hope that the information here helps you to understand what you should and shouldn't do as you're interviewing and hiring your first staff members.
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Signs That You Should Hire a Wage and Hour Class Action Defense Attorney
Irene Robertson
If you’re unsure about wage and hour compliance in your business, it’s time to consider hiring a wage and hour class action defense attorney. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the signs that indicate you should seek legal counsel and how an attorney can help protect your business.
Employee Complaints
If you receive complaints from your employees about hours worked or pay received, it’s a red flag that there may be a compliance issue. Even if the complaints are not related to a specific violation, it’s important to take them seriously and investigate them. A wage and hour class action defense attorney can help you audit your practices and ensure you’re meeting all legal requirements. The attorney can also help you implement procedures to prevent future complaints and legal disputes.
Audit from the Department of Labor
If your business undergoes an audit from the Department of Labor, it’s essential to seek legal counsel. The audit may reveal compliance issues that could result in legal action. An attorney can help you review the audit report, address any violations, and negotiate a settlement with the government if necessary. The attorney can also develop an ongoing compliance plan to avoid future audits and legal issues.
Classification of Employees
Misclassification of employees is a common wage and hour violation. All employees are entitled to certain rights and benefits, such as minimum wage, overtime pay, and workers’ compensation. Misclassifying employees as independent contractors or exempt from overtime pay can result in a lawsuit. A wage and hour class action defense attorney can help you review your employee classifications and ensure you’re adhering to all legal guidelines. The attorney can also help you develop an employee classification system that’s compliant and consistent.
Failure to Pay Overtime
Under the law, non-exempt employees must receive overtime pay for any hours worked over 40 hours per week. Failure to pay overtime or improperly calculating overtime pay can result in a class-action lawsuit. It’s essential to have a detailed record-keeping system to ensure accurate payment of overtime. A wage and hour class action defense attorney can develop and implement a system to track employee hours, calculate overtime pay, and ensure compliance with all legal requirements. The attorney can also defend your business in a lawsuit if necessary.
Request for a Settlement
If your business receives a demand for a class action settlement related to wage and hour violations, it’s crucial to seek legal counsel. A settlement can be a costly and time-consuming process, and an attorney can help you negotiate the best settlement agreement possible. The attorney can also represent your business in court if litigation is necessary.
In summary, it’s essential to comply with wage and hour laws to avoid legal issues and protect your business. The signs mentioned above indicate that you should seek legal counsel from a wage and hour class action defense attorney.
To learn more, click here for more information.
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