The Fair Labor Standards Act and other laws require employers to pay at least the minimum wage for every hour worked. But sometimes employers try to skirt the law and pay workers less than they are owed. This is known as wage theft and it is estimated to cost workers as much as $50 billion a year nationally. Wage theft can happen to any employee, with the most at-risk workers being contractors, temps, undocumented workers, low-wage workers and those working at small businesses.
Wage theft can take many forms, including these:
If you believe your employer is not paying you the full wages you are owed, you’ll want to seek out a qualified Georgia employment law attorney. A lawyer experienced in wage and hour law can determine whether your employer has violated state or federal law and can advise you of your legal options, which may include:
If you end up filing a lawsuit and are successful, you may be entitled to recover past compensation, damages and costs associated with the litigation. If the employer is found to have willfully and knowingly stolen your wages, they could face criminal prosecution and a $10,000 fine.
The Reddy Law Firm in Suwanee, Georgia represents workers in Gwinnett County and neighboring areas in wage and hour disputes. You can reach out to our office by calling 678-905-5475 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.