What are common questions that workers in Baytown have about unpaid wages?

Baytown, TX – Unpaid wages and wage theft are regular workplace problems in Texas and other states. Unfortunately, many workers either do not notice the missing wages or realize that there are remedies available. Regardless of the employer’s reasons for not paying employees properly, they are still required to correct the situation, or they can face lawsuits or investigations from labor boards.

Is an employer required to pay a person after they were fired or terminated?

The employer owes the worker all outstanding wages for the hours that they worked until they were notified that their position was ended and they stopped working. These also must be paid within a reasonable time from when the person was fired. Even when an employee quits their job, they still must be paid for all of their time until they are no longer working in their position.

How can unpaid wages be collected?

In many cases, the worker can simply notify their payroll or human resources department. Most situations involving unpaid wages involve things like administrative mistakes or computer errors. If the employer is cooperative, the person will normally be paid their outstanding wages by the conclusion of the next pay period. When disputes are present, the worker can either retain an attorney to pursue the matter further, or report the problem to the relevant labor board such as the Texas Workforce Commission. The government gives these agencies the authority to investigate issues related to unpaid wages and force compliance with their terms.

Can a worker be fired or disciplined for reporting unpaid wages?

An employer cannot take adverse actions against those who report their missing pay. All workers are protected from retaliation for asserting their rights in situations involving unpaid wages, discrimination, or other violations of labor laws. An employer who retaliates will face additional lawsuits or other serious consequences for attempting to deny legal protections to workers.

Is the employee eligible for overtime?

Most full time employees who are paid hourly for their work are eligible for overtime. This means that all hours beyond forty within a seven day consecutive period must be paid at least at one and one half times the person’s regular pay rate. There are exceptions for some salaried workers, administrators, independent contractors, or others who are legitimately exempt. A common source of wage theft is when a worker who is actually eligible is not paid either due to employer mistakes, or purposeful actions by employers who are trying to save money.

Employment lawyers in Texas

Moore and Associates is a labor law firm that works with clients in Baytown and other parts of Texas. Their attorneys can provide advice about unpaid wages, overtime law, sexual harassment, and discrimination.

Firm contact info:

Moore & Associates

440 Louisiana Street, Suite 675, Houston, TX 77002

713-222-6775