PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM WAGE THEFT – THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT!

As we have discussed many times in our blog posts, employers are required to pay most employees at a rate of 1.5 times the regular rate for all hours worked over 40. One of the common problems we run into when we are representing Plaintiffs in wage and hour lawsuits is that individuals often do not have accurate records of the hours they worked because they submit their timesheets to the employer and don’t keep copies or because they use a computerized system at work and don’t have access to the data. Obviously, in a lawsuit, the employer is required to turn over such information, but what happens if your employer doesn’t keep your timesheet data (which is illegal, but not uncommon)? Or what if your employer has changed your timesheet data (also illegal, but not uncommon)? These are common problems that can be avoided if employees take a few extra minutes and keep track of their own time. Don’t worry, there’s an App for that!

The Department of Labor (DOL) has created a FREE App designed to help employees track their time. When downloaded, the App is a timesheet that allows you to record the hours that you work and calculate the amount you may be owed by your employer. It also includes overtime pay calculations at a rate of one and one-half times (1.5) the regular rate of pay for all hours you work over 40 in a workweek. Check out https://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/whd/WHD20110686.htm to read the press release from DOL. From there, you can link to the page where you can download the App.

For those of you who are slightly less technologically savvy, don’t worry, the DOL has not forgotten you. Visit the DOL website to download a free calendar, available in both English and Spanish, to use to track your time. Check out https://www.dol.gov/whd/FLSAEmployeeCard/calendarR5Web.pdf.

As we have said on many occasions, you are the best advocate for ensuring you are paid your legal wages. Spending a few extra minutes tracking your time, especially if you believe your employer is violating wage laws, may make a big difference if you decide to proceed with litigation. If you or someone you know has a question about wage and hour violations, contact an experienced attorney at Hawks Quindel, S.C. to schedule a free consultation.