Wage and Hour Violations
Helping Employees Recover Unpaid Wages — Kennedy Law
Every employee deserves to be paid fairly and on time for the work they perform. But far too often, employers violate wage and hour laws—whether by not paying overtime, failing to meet minimum wage requirements, requiring off-the-clock work, or misclassifying employees to avoid paying what’s owed. These practices are not just wrong—they’re illegal. At Kennedy Law, Mr. Kennedy helps workers recover the wages they’ve rightfully earned.
What You Should Know About Wage and Hour Claims:
- Employees are entitled to be paid for all hours worked. This includes time spent preparing for shifts, answering emails after hours, attending mandatory meetings, or staying late at an employer’s request.
- Overtime must be paid for hours over 40 in a workweek. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Pennsylvania law, eligible employees must receive 1.5 times their regular rate of pay for all overtime hours.
- Being paid a salary does not always exempt someone from overtime. Many employers wrongly classify employees as “exempt” to avoid overtime pay, even when those employees don’t meet the legal criteria.
- Minimum wage laws set the floor for pay. Employers in Pennsylvania must pay at least the current state or federal minimum wage, whichever is higher.
- Meal breaks and rest periods may be protected. If an employer requires employees to work through breaks, that time may be compensable.
- Independent contractor misclassification is common. Employers sometimes label workers as independent contractors to avoid paying benefits, overtime, or taxes. If the worker is treated like an employee, they may be entitled to compensation.
- Unpaid wages can be recovered—with interest and penalties. In many cases, employees can recover damages and attorneys’ fees under state and federal law.
- Time limits apply to wage claims. In Pennsylvania, employees typically have two to three years to file a claim, depending on the type of violation. Prompt action helps preserve legal rights.