Do you know your rights and the paycheck laws your employer may be violating? Many people don’t. Here are 5 paychecks laws!In fact, the reason that so many employers get away with it is that they know you don’t.

Employers commonly use a variety of tactics from illegal deductions to unpaid overtime so that they can get away without paying you all wages you have earned. It’s a great idea to know the general wage laws which govern your paycheck so you have an idea when your employer is paying you in violation of the wage laws.

5 Paycheck Laws Your Employer May Be Violating

At any time, you should take a stand if you believe your employer is not paying you wages for all time you have worked. An employer’s failure to do so is wage theft and it happens all too frequently.

1. Illegal Deductions

Any paycheck deductions other than taxes or other pre-arranged deductions you have agreed to in writing are generally illegal. These could include your uniform, small breaks during the day, or other things beyond your control. Different states have different laws regarding paycheck deductions. You should contact an employment attorney if you have questions regarding any deductions from your paychecks.

It is often illegal for your employer to deduct from your wages as a punishment or for poor performance.. Keep track of every single cent they deduct so you can fight to get it back.

2. Late Paychecks

Again, different states have different laws about when employers must issue regular paychecks and your final paycheck. Generally, you are entitled to receive your paycheck on a specific, known date. Your paycheck frequency may depend on the job you work and how the employer pay you (hourly or salaried). Common pay frequencies include weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. You are certainly legally entitled to receive your paycheck promptly.

3. Unpaid Minimum Wage

Another paycheck law that employers often violate is paying less than minimum wage. All employers must pay minimum wage the amount of which varies from state to state, but is no less than $7.25 per hour.

4. Unpaid Overtime

Similarly, employers violate paycheck laws by failing to pay employees all earned overtime. Employers must pay overtime at 1.5 times the employees’ regular rate of pay. Employers often work employees off the clock both before and after their shifts to avoid paying overtime. Employers also pay employees a salary when they should receive hourly pay plus overtime which violates the law. In addition, employers will actually remove employee time from the timekeeping system to avoid paying overtime. You should not allow this to happen to you.

5. Withheld Funds

Paycheck laws provide that your employer can not withhold earned wages for any reason. This could be overtime, money earned in commission, a promised bonus package, or holiday pay.

You have the legal right to collect all of your earned wages. You can take action against your employer for unpaid wages. Back wages are the difference in the amount that the employer actually paid an employee and the amount the employee is legally entitled to be paid.

Paycheck Laws

Paycheck laws are in place for a reason, and that is to stop employers from taking advantage of employees. It amounts to wage theft from your employer.

Unfortunately, wage theft happens all too often. You should not let it happen to you. Contact us here at Rowdy Meeks Legal Group LLC for help.

You work hard for your money and you deserve to get every cent of that. Don’t let the wage theft continue.