What At-Will Employment Doesn’t Mean
Workers in North Carolina may feel alarmed when they discover that the state allows for “at-will” employment. In other words, unless there is a legal
June 15, 2022
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Many South Carolina employees work long hours but do not receive the compensation they deserve. Do you believe that you are owed overtime pay or unpaid wages? If so, you may want to speak with a Columbia overtime & unpaid wages lawyer.
Employers often violate wage and hour laws, resulting in employees being denied overtime pay, minimum wage, or even their final paycheck. If this has happened to you, a Columbia overtime & unpaid wages lawyer can help.
At the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we are well versed in state and federal law for unpaid wages, and we are here to help you receive the wages you are owed. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation.
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What Does an Overtime Pay and Unpaid Wages Lawyer Do in Columbia, South Carolina?
Overtime pay or unpaid wages lawyer helps employees recover the wages they are owed. This may include overtime pay, minimum wage, or even their final paycheck. In some cases, an attorney may also help with other damages, such as emotional distress.
If you believe that you are owed overtime pay or unpaid wages, you should speak with a South Carolina overtime & unpaid wages lawyer. An attorney can review your case and help you understand your legal options. An attorney can also negotiate with your employer on your behalf and represent you in court.
What is the Fair Labor Standards Act?
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a federal law that establishes minimum wage and overtime pay standards. The FLSA applies to most private sector employers and some public sector employers. Employees covered by the FLSA are entitled to receive a minimum wage and overtime pay for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
FLSA Minimum Wage Requirements
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. A lawyer can help employees recover unpaid wages if they’re paid less than the minimum wage.
Overtime Pay Requirements
The FLSA requires employers to pay covered employees time and a half for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Overtime & unpaid wages lawyers can help employees recover unpaid overtime pay if they have worked more than 40 hours in a workweek but have not been paid the appropriate amount.
Who is Covered Under the FLSA in Columbia, South Carolina?
The FLSA covers most private-sector employers and some public-sector employers. Employees not covered by the FLSA include independent contractors, certain agricultural workers, and some federal, state, and local government employees.
If you are not sure whether the FLSA covers you, you should speak with an employment lawyer at the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor. An attorney can help you determine whether you are covered by the FLSA and entitled to overtime pay or unpaid wages.
Employment Practices the FLSA Doesn't Regulate in Columbia, South Carolina
While the FLSA sets basic minimum wage and overtime pay standards, some employment practices that the FLSA does not regulate.
The FLSA does not require:
- vacation, holiday, severance, or sick pay;
- meal or rest periods, holidays off, or vacations;
- premium pay for weekend or holiday work;
- pay raises or fringe benefits; or
- a discharge notice, the reason for discharge, or immediate payment of final wages to terminated employees.
The Current Minimum Wage in South Carolina
South Carolina follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.
Should Breaks Be Paid?
In South Carolina, employers are not required to provide employees with paid breaks or rest breaks. However, while breaks are not required, employers must pay employees for the time they spend working and for shorter breaks during the day. If a South Carolina employer chooses to provide a longer meal break time, the employee is relieved of duties, and the employer does not have to pay their employee for that time.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing an Overtime Pay or Unpaid Wages Claim?
The statute of limitations for overtime pay and unpaid wages claims varies from state to state. The statute of limitations is the time period in which a person must file a claim. In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for overtime pay and unpaid wages claims is two years.
If you believe you are owed overtime pay or unpaid wages, you must file a claim within two years of the date on which the wages were earned. If you do not file a claim within the statute of limitations, you may be barred from recovering the wages you are owed.
Other Employment Law Cases We Cover
Our Columbia employment attorneys take on various cases involving multiple industries concerning state or federal law. We represent employees ranging from hourly workers to executives. The types of cases we cover include:
- Americans With Disabilities Act Claims
- Family and Medical Leave Act Claims
- Sexual Harassment Claims
- Whistleblower Claims
- Retaliation
- Discrimination
Why Choose Us?
There are many reasons to choose our firm:
- We have experience handling overtime and unpaid wage cases.
- We understand the laws governing overtime and unpaid wages.
- We will fight for you to get the compensation you deserve.
- We offer a free initial consultation so that you can learn more about your legal options.
Contact our Unpaid Wages & Overtime Lawyers in Columbia, SC
If you or a family member is affected by an employment law issue, contact The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, P.C. for a free consultation. We value the attorney-client relationship, and we are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To schedule a free consultation we kindly ask that you complete and submit our Case Evaluation Form at the link below. This will allow us to review the initial details of your case to advise on the best course of action.
2700 Middleburg Dr Suite 219A
Columbia, SC 29204
Phone
(803) 638-4131
Toll Free
(800) 351-3008
