{"id":4895,"date":"2023-06-12T21:42:57","date_gmt":"2023-06-12T21:42:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jleedslawfirm.com\/?page_id=4895"},"modified":"2023-06-12T21:52:41","modified_gmt":"2023-06-12T21:52:41","slug":"wage-hour-laws-in-houston-tx","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/jleedslawfirm.com\/wage-hour-laws-in-houston-tx\/","title":{"rendered":"Wage Hour Laws in Houston, TX"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are You Involved in a Wage Hour Issue? Our Attorneys Can Help!<\/span><\/h2>\n

As an employee or employer, understanding the intricacies of wage-hour law in Houston, TX, is essential to <\/span>ensure fair and compliant practices in the workplace<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At Leeds Law Firm, we are a wage-hour law firm with a good track record. We understand the complexities of wage-hour law and the challenges employees and employers face in Houston. Our team of attorneys is experienced in terms of employment law matters and offers personalized and diligent legal representation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether you require guidance on wage and hour disputes, compliance audits, or policy development, our firm is dedicated to providing practical solutions to your case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a Wage-Hour Law?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Wage hour law encompasses a set of regulations and standards established by federal and state legislation to protect employees’ rights and ensure they receive fair compensation for their work. Complying with these regulations is crucial for maintaining a harmonious work environment and avoiding potential legal disputes and penalties.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the State Wage-Hour Laws in Houston, TX?\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

When understanding wage and hour laws in Houston<\/a>, Texas, one must consider state-specific regulations and the overarching federal laws that apply. Here is an overview of the state wage hour laws that are relevant to employees and employers in Houston, TX:<\/span><\/p>\n

Minimum Wage<\/b><\/h3>\n

Wage hour laws often set minimum wage employers must pay employees for their work. The minimum wage is typically intended to provide a baseline level of compensation to ensure that employees receive a fair wage for their labor. Some localities in Texas, including Houston, have <\/span>higher minimum wage rates<\/span><\/a>. It’s crucial to consult the specific local ordinances to determine the minimum wage requirements for your area.<\/span><\/p>\n

Overtime Pay<\/b><\/h3>\n

Texas follows the federal <\/span>Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)<\/span><\/a> regarding overtime pay. Under the FLSA, non-exempt employees are entitled to receive overtime pay at one and a half times their regular pay rate for any hours worked beyond 40 hours in a workweek.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meal and Rest Breaks<\/b><\/h3>\n

Texas does not have state-specific laws mandating meal or rest breaks for adult employees. However, if an employer provides breaks of short duration (typically less than 20 minutes), they must count that time as paid work hours.<\/span><\/p>\n

Child Labor Laws<\/b><\/h3>\n

In Texas, <\/span>child labor laws<\/span><\/a> are enforced to protect the well-being and education of minors. These laws regulate the hours, types of jobs, and conditions minors can work under. The specific restrictions and requirements depend on the minor’s age and the nature of the work they are engaged in.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pay Frequency<\/b><\/h3>\n

Texas does not have specific regulations dictating the frequency of wage payments. However, the <\/span>Texas Payday Law<\/span><\/a> requires employees to be paid at least once per month and within a designated time frame after the end of a pay period.<\/span><\/p>\n

Employment Discrimination<\/b><\/h3>\n

Discrimination in the workplace<\/a> is prohibited under both federal and state laws. The Texas Labor Code and the federal Civil Rights Act protect employees from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, and <\/span>age<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

It’s important to remember that employment laws can be complex, and additional city ordinances or industry-specific regulations may apply in some instances. To ensure compliance and obtain accurate information regarding state wage hour laws in Houston, Texas, it is highly recommended to consult with our experienced labor law attorney or refer to <\/span>Texas Workforce Commission<\/span><\/a> for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the Examples of Wage and Hour Violations?<\/span><\/h2>\n

In this article, we will discuss examples of wage and hour violations, shedding light on standard practices that run against the law:<\/span><\/p>\n

Failure to Pay Minimum Wage<\/b><\/h3>\n

One of the most prevalent wage violations occurs when employers fail to pay their employee’s minimum wage. Whether intentionally or inadvertently, paying employees below the mandated minimum wage seriously violates wage-hour laws. Both employees and employers must know the applicable minimum wage rates to ensure fair compensation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Overtime Violations<\/b><\/h3>\n

Another common violation involves the misclassification of employees or the failure to adequately compensate eligible employees for overtime work. Employers may wrongly classify non-exempt employees as exempt, denying them overtime pay for hours worked beyond the standard 40-hour workweek. Additionally, some employers may miscalculate overtime rates or fail to pay overtime wages altogether, violating wage-hour laws.<\/span><\/p>\n

Off-the-Clock Work<\/b><\/h3>\n

Employers must compensate employees for all hours worked, including work performed “off-the-clock.” This includes activities such as pre-shift or post-shift work, working through meal breaks, or performing work-related tasks outside regular working hours. Failing to compensate employees for off-the-clock work is a common violation that deprives workers of their rightful wages.<\/span><\/p>\n

Improper Deductions<\/b><\/h3>\n

Employers are prohibited from making unauthorized deductions from employees’ wages, resulting in their pay falling below the minimum wage or reducing overtime compensation. Examples of improper deductions include deducting the cost of uniforms, tools, or damages from employees’ pay without their consent unless the law<\/a> permits.<\/span><\/p>\n

Misclassification of Independent Contractors<\/b><\/h3>\n

Misclassifying workers as independent contractors rather than employees is another wage and hour violation. Independent contractors are not entitled to the same wage-hour protections as employees, such as minimum wage, overtime pay, or certain benefits. Employers must adequately classify workers based on their job duties, level of control, and other relevant factors to avoid misclassification violations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Denial of Meal and Rest Breaks<\/b><\/h3>\n

Wage hour laws often require employers to provide employees with designated meal and rest breaks, depending on the duration of their shifts. Denying employees their entitled breaks or pressuring them to work through their breaks is a violation of wage-hour laws. Employees have the right to take these breaks to rest and recharge during their workday.<\/span><\/p>\n

Failure to Keep Accurate Records<\/b><\/h3>\n

Employers are legally obligated to maintain accurate records of employees’ work hours, wages, and related information. Failing to keep proper records or intentionally altering them violates wage-hour laws. Accurate record-keeping is crucial for ensuring transparency, calculating wages owed, and demonstrating compliance with wage-hour regulations.<\/span><\/p>\n

You have the right to seek compensation for the earnings you are owed if any of these situations occurred to you while you were working. You can bring a case against your employer with the aid of our experienced wage and hour lawyer. Call us now.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How Can I File for a Wage Hour Claim?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Filing a wage-hour claim can be a complex and daunting process, but it becomes more manageable with the proper legal support. Here are the general steps to follow when filing a wage-hour\u00a0 claim:<\/span><\/p>\n