Here in Indiana, we have state and federal wage and hour laws that protect workers and ensure they receive fair and timely wages. The Indiana Minimum Wage Law ensures that workers are getting paid the salary or hourly wage they deserve, while the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act gives local Indiana workers the assurance that they are treated fairly while at work. Both of these laws protect workers should their employer underpay them, fail to pay overtime, or force you to work outside of your scheduled hours.
At Stewart & Stewart, we handle many cases involving wage and hour here in Indianapolis. Some of the most common are as follows.
Underpayment of Wages
In Indiana, the minimum wage is currently set at $7.25/hour or $2.13/hour for tipped employees whose tips cover the difference in minimum wage. If your employer fails to pay you this set minimum, you are entitled to a lawsuit. Being paid under this minimum makes it extremely difficult for an average person to live a sound life, pay bills, and keep a roof over their heads. Employees with families will find more trouble with this, so it’s imperative to speak with an attorney if your employer fails to pay you what you deserve.
Working Off the Clock
You may think it’s normal to be forced to work outside of regular hours without any pay. In Indiana, if you work more than 40 hours in one week, you may be entitled to additional compensation and back pay. Your employer should set hours in your contract, and if you consistently work over these hours, you should contact an attorney to help you get the compensation and overtime money you deserve.
Unpaid Commissions
Many employees rely on commissions in their jobs, especially when those commissions make up a bulk of their take home pay. Here at Stewart & Stewart, we often see cases where an employer fails to pay the full amount of the commission as highlighted in the contract. When listed in a contract, the employer becomes legally obligated to pay out these commissions in full, and the failure to do so can result in a lawsuit.
If you have been a victim of one of these wage disputes, contact an experienced wage and hour attorney today. Give us a call at 1-800-33-33-LAW or visit our website for more information.