Wage And Hour Disputes In Maryland

The following article will cover:

• Common reasons for wage and hour disputes in Maryland.
• The legal requirements and amount of overtime pay.
• The legal protection of filing an unpaid wage claim against a Maryland employer.

What Are The Most Common Reasons Wage And Hour Disputes Between Maryland Employees And Employers Arise?

In Maryland, wage and hour disputes typically emerge for a few key reasons:

• One of the most common causes is the misclassification of employees. For example, if you’re given the title of a manager and paid a salary, but don’t have the supervisory duties of a manager and are required to work significant overtime hours.
• Disputes also arise when employers fail to pay bonuses or commissions that you are owed.
• Another prevalent issue is tip pool violations, which occur when employers unfairly distribute tips among employees who are subject to tip credit.

When Is A Maryland Employee Owed Overtime?

As a Maryland employee, you are entitled to overtime pay when you work more than 40 hours in a week. Employers are obligated to pay you at a rate of 1.5 times your regular wage for any overtime work.

What Can I Do If My Manager Changes My Hours And/Or Pay Without Cause?

In situations where you’re not a union member or your employment isn’t governed by a contract, you may feel like there’s not much you can do. However, there are exceptions.

For instance, if your employer is unlawfully discriminating or retaliating against you by reducing your hours or wages, you may have legal recourse under civil rights statutes or other employment laws. Furthermore, if your pay is reduced below the minimum wage, this constitutes a violation under both Maryland law and the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Will I Get Fired If I File An Unpaid Or Underpaid Wage Or Overtime Claim Against My Maryland Employer?

If you are terminated for filing such a claim, it is important to speak with an attorney immediately. Actions like these may be punishable under the Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

What Steps Should I Take If I Believe My Employer Has Underpaid Or Has Failed To Pay Me In Maryland?

Initially, it’s recommended to discuss the issue with your employer. Should that not yield satisfactory results, consider reaching out to the Maryland Department of Labor or consulting with an attorney who specializes in wage and hour issues.

What Evidence Does My Maryland Employment Law Attorney Need To Determine If My Unpaid Or Underpaid Wage, Overtime, And Commissions Claim Against My Employer Is Viable?

To ascertain the viability of your claim, your attorney may require several key pieces of evidence:

• Paystubs
• W2 forms and other wage information
• Payroll records
• Timekeeping records
• Schedules or any documentation demonstrating your worked hours

What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Maryland Wage Payment And Collection Law?

Generally, you have a three-year window to file a lawsuit for unpaid wages under the Maryland Wage & Hour Law (MWHL) and/or the Maryland Wage Payment & Collection Law (MWCPL). Note, however, that federal wage laws may follow different statutes of limitations for filing claims – for example, under the FLSA, the statute of limitations is typically two years.

For more information on Wage And Hour Disputes In Maryland, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (301) 753-3232 today.