Allentown Wage & Hour Law

Allentown Wage & Hour Attorneys: Protecting Your Rights to Fair Pay

Are you being denied proper overtime pay or other wage rights in Allentown? At Winebrake & Santillo, LLC, we stand up for workers who are not being fairly compensated under federal and state employment laws. Our skilled team of wage and hour attorneys is dedicated to ensuring that employers adhere to legal standards, and we work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.

If you believe your employer has violated wage and hour laws, reach out to Winebrake & Santillo, LLC for a free consultation. You can contact us directly by calling (215) 866-1551 or scheduling an appointment through our online contact form.

Your Rights Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Pennsylvania Wage Laws

Both federal and state laws, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), protect workers in Allentown and throughout Pennsylvania. These laws establish clear guidelines regarding overtime pay, minimum wage, and breaks, but unfortunately, some employers continue to exploit workers by violating these regulations. Here’s how you should be compensated:

Overtime Pay: In Allentown, most workers should receive 1.5 times their regular rate for any time worked over 40 hours in a week. This applies even if you are salaried.
Breaks: Pennsylvania law mandates a 30-minute unpaid break if you work at least five consecutive hours.
Minimum Age for Employment: Workers must generally be at least 14 years old to work in Pennsylvania, with additional restrictions for hazardous jobs.
Illegal Deductions and Withholding Tips: Employers who take tips from workers or engage in other unfair pay practices may be subject to claims from employees.

Violations That Affect Allentown Workers

If your employer is failing to pay you overtime or violating wage laws, there are multiple legal avenues available to recover your unpaid wages. Employers who violate FLSA regulations or state wage laws may have done so with multiple employees, which opens the door to class actions and individual claims.

Our experienced attorneys can help you take action and hold your employer accountable for any violations. If you have been subjected to unfair pay practices, consult our Allentown wage and overtime lawyers immediately to discuss your case.

Common Wage & Hour Violations in Allentown

Misclassification of Employees: Employers sometimes misclassify employees as "exempt" to avoid paying overtime. If you believe you’ve been misclassified, our attorneys can help clarify your status and ensure you are properly compensated.
Off-the-Clock Work: Some employers require workers to perform tasks outside of their designated hours, such as pre-shift or post-shift duties, without compensation. If this has happened to you, it's essential to take legal action to recover your wages.
Meal and Rest Break Violations: Employers who fail to provide required breaks or meal periods in accordance with state or federal law may be in violation of wage and hour regulations.

Legal Remedies for Wage and Hour Violations

There are several legal options available to workers who have been deprived of fair wages. These include:

Individual Lawsuits: You may be entitled to compensation through a personal lawsuit, where you can recover the wages you are owed, plus additional damages.
Class Actions: If multiple employees are affected by the same wage violation, we can file a class action lawsuit on behalf of all those affected, potentially leading to a larger settlement.
Recovering Liquidated Damages: Under the FLSA, you may be entitled to liquidated damages—an amount equal to the unpaid wages, effectively doubling your recovery.

Why Choose Winebrake & Santillo, LLC?

At Winebrake & Santillo, LLC, we prioritize clear communication, thorough investigation, and aggressive representation to achieve the best possible results for our clients. Our firm is committed to handling complex wage and hour cases, and our track record of success speaks for itself, including landmark cases like the Lehigh Valley potato processing workers' wage case.

Quick and effective resolutions: We work to secure the best outcomes within realistic timeframes.
Straightforward assessments: We only take on cases we truly believe in and will provide honest evaluations of your claim.

FAQ: Allentown Wage & Hour Attorneys

What is the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)?
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a federal law that regulates minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor standards. It applies to most employees in the U.S., ensuring they are paid fairly for their work. Under the FLSA, most employees must receive overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular pay for hours worked beyond 40 hours in a week.

Am I entitled to overtime pay in Allentown, Pennsylvania?
In Allentown, as in most areas in the U.S., employees are entitled to overtime pay unless they are specifically classified as exempt. Most employees working over 40 hours per week are entitled to receive overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular hourly rate. Employers cannot simply classify you as exempt to avoid paying overtime if your job duties do not meet the requirements set by the FLSA.

What if my employer classifies me as exempt from overtime but I still do the same work as non-exempt employees?
If your employer has misclassified you as exempt, even though your job duties don't meet the FLSA's criteria, you may still be entitled to overtime pay. Our attorneys can help you review your job duties and determine if you should have been classified as non-exempt. If so, we can assist you in recovering your unpaid overtime wages.

What should I do if I believe I am not being paid fairly or not receiving overtime pay?
If you believe you are not being compensated correctly for your work, the first step is to document the hours worked and the pay you have received. You should also contact an experienced wage and hour attorney at Winebrake & Santillo, LLC. Our team can help you understand your rights and assist you in filing a claim for unpaid wages or overtime.

Can I file a wage claim if my employer refuses to pay me for work done off-the-clock?
Yes, if your employer requires you to work outside your scheduled hours (such as setting up or cleaning up), you are still entitled to compensation for that time. If you are asked to perform duties off-the-clock, you may have a valid claim for unpaid wages and overtime. Our attorneys can help you file a claim to recover the wages you’re owed.