Nobody wants to be unlawfully taken advantage of by their employer. This is why employees should read up on various important employment laws in their state to get a better understanding of their employment rights. If you’re a Georgia employee, you might be wondering about the most common employment law violations in your state. No need to worry because our firm is here to help! Read this blog to learn more about this issue and how an Atlanta Employment Rights Attorney can provide high-quality legal counseling.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON EMPLOYMENT LAW VIOLATIONS?
The most common employment law violations involve employers trying to save money by preventing employees from earning their full potential. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) currently sets the minimum wage at $7.25 an hour federally, but Georgia’s minimum wage is currently $5.15 per hour. It’s important to note that some employees are exempt from earning the minimum wage (such as executive, administrative, and professional positions and waiters who earn tips). Also, employees 19 and under can legally be paid $4.25 per hour for the first 90 days of their employment, and certain full-time students could also be exempt from minimum wage earnings. If you’re a nonexempt employee whos being paid less than the minimum wage, this is an illegal violation of your rights.
Other than violating the minimum wage, some employers may attempt to prevent employees from openly discussing their wages. This is against the law in Georgia, meaning all Georgian employees have the right to talk about salaries with other employees. By discussing wages, employees can determine if they are each earning as much as they should. There are many other ways that employers may try to prevent employees from earning their full potential, such as failing to pay for work breaks and taking illegal deductions out of wages.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK MY EMPLOYER VIOLATED MY RIGHTS?
If you think your employer might be guilty of committing any of the aforementioned violations, you should immediately contact an employment law attorney who can help you determine your options. You may be able to file a claim against your employer with the US Department of Labor. If you believe your employer discriminated against you for your gender, race, religion, orientation, or another personal identity, you can report this to the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity. Contact a lawyer if you aren’t quite sure if your employer broke the law.
Are you a victim of an unlawful employer? Are you seeking a compassionate employee rights lawyer who has your best interests in mind? Look no further because Ben Barrett Law is here to fight for you! Contact our highly experienced team today for an initial consultation.
