It is not always easy for workers in Michigan and elsewhere to fully understand what constitutes fair pay. They may think that their employer has their best interests in mind, and as a result, they accept the compensation they are given. However, there are far too many cases in which employers take advantage of workers by not paying them minimum wage, not paying time-and-a-half for overtime hours and committing other wage violations.
Four workers in another state were recently awarded compensation after the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor found that wage violations had occurred at their place of employment. The four workers – a stocking person, two deli clerks and a cook – were all given a flat weekly salary rather than being paid an hourly wage. As a result, when the individuals worked more than 40 hours in a week, they were not given overtime pay.
Additional information regarding this case includes:
- The total amount the workers were shorted came to nearly $36,280.
- Each of the four workers received over $9,000 in compensation.
- The workers did not meet the criteria for overtime pay exemptions.
- The owners of the deli and butcher shop involved in the case did not provide a comment for the report.
Wage violations can essentially cause workers to be putting in long hours and earning no pay or pay well below minimum wage. Employers who uphold such practices should be held accountable for their wrongdoing and violations of the law. If Michigan employees believe that they are not being fairly compensated due to unpaid overtime, wage theft or similar violations, they may want to consider pursing legal action to seek their due compensation.