Wage and hour disputes are very damaging to any company’s image, so it is important to avoid them at all costs. If you are an employer, it is important to be familiar with the wage and hour laws in your state to avoid any potential disputes.
Examples of wage and hour violations
One of the most common employment law violations is the failure to pay overtime. In Massachusetts, employees who work more than 40 hours in a week are typically entitled to overtime pay at one and a half times their regular rate of pay.
Another common wage and hour violation is the failure to provide proper meal breaks or rest breaks. Employees in Massachusetts are entitled to a 30-minute meal break if they work more than six hours, and a 20-minute rest break if they work more than four hours.
Finally, employers in Massachusetts must pay employees their final paycheck within 72 hours of the employee’s last day of work.
How can employers avoid wage and hour disputes?
The best way to avoid wage and hour disputes is to familiarize yourself with the employment law in your state and to comply with them. Understand which employees are entitled to overtime pay, meal breaks, and rest breaks, and make sure you are paying them accordingly.
Additionally, you should create a policy manual that outlines your company’s policies on wages and hours, as well as other employment-related issues. Make sure that you provide your employees with a copy of the employment policy manual and make sure to adhere to those policies.
Employees also need to maintain accurate records of hours worked and pay received to prevent disputes from arising in the first place. Additionally, it provides evidence if a dispute does arise. Lastly, if you are an employer, appreciate the fact that you may need assistance in drafting employment policies or employment contracts.
Avoiding wage and hour disputes is one of the most important things an employer can do to protect their reputation and their business. If you’ve already started receiving complaints from employees, fix the situation before it’s too late.
