Serving Clients in Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads, Washington D.C. & Throughout the U.S.
Through most of America's history, employers had the advantage over employees. Large companies could essentially dictate wages and force employees to work long hours, and employees couldn't do much about it.
The 20th century changed that dramatically. A number of laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act, established protections for workers and regulated the hours they could work.
However, this doesn't mean abuse and exploitation have ended. Many employees have seen their rights under these federal laws violated. Employment lawyer James Shoemaker can help if you were one of these victims.
If you need a lawyer with experience handling cases involving violations of wage and hour standards in Virginia, please call James Shoemaker at 757.223.4560 for a consultation.
Tyes of FLSA Violations
While there are a number of local, state and federal laws that are designed to protect workers, the most commonly cited labor law is the aforementioned Fair Labor Standards Act, or FLSA. It's the primary federal tool for protecting employees and ensuring they are properly compensated for their labor.
Unfortunately, some companies violate FLSA and try to exploit employees in the area of wages and working hours. Common examples of these violations include:
- Using various schemes to pay workers less than the minimum wage
- Violating overtime rules – under the FLSA, so-called “non-exempt” employees must be paid time and a half if they are asked to work more than 40 hours a week. Companies will sometimes claim a non-exempt employee is exempt and thus not covered by FLSA.
- Forcing employees to work off the clock.
- Altering employees' timesheets
- Requiring employees arrive early to do unpaid “prep work” – think restaurant staff being made to set up tables, chairs and other restaurant equipment
But while you might have been victimized, that doesn't mean you're helpless. FLSA and other federal laws protect you and provide a path to compensation if your employer has violated your rights.
Finding that path requires a skilled, experienced attorney. You can't do this on your own. You'll need help. And that's what James Shoemaker provides.
Mr. Shoemaker is an experienced trial attorney with decades of experience in complicated FLSA litigation. He won't be intimidated by large companies, and he won't let you be intimidated either. Our only goal will be pursuing the compensation you deserve.
If you want to speak to our experienced attorney about your options as the victim of an FLSA violation, please call James Shoemaker at 757.223.4560 for a consultation.