4/16/2012
Jesse Russell reports that more workers are suing to get the earned overtime pay employers are not paying. The rate of workers suing employers for unpaid overtime was up by 32 percent in 2011 in comparison to 2008, when the recession started.
During the recession employers tightened their belts by putting more work on employees instead of hiring more workers. The Fair Labor Standards Act guarantees overtime pay for hourly employees who put in more than 40 hours per week.
Even salaried workers can claim overtime if they earn less than $455 per week.
Meanwhile, even as workers are being loaded up with more work wages fell by two percent in 2011.
In addition to the increased burden on employees, USA Today says the increased dependence on smart phones means workers are rarely truly off work and can be bothered by employers at anytime.
Rightardia suggests that on call workers should be paid a flat stipend for carrying a smart phone capable or receiving email or one that has Internet access.
Of course, the way many companies get around wage and hour rules is by making low paid workers managers. Of course, these managers ended up on the short end of the stick when bonuses were determined at the end of the year. Technical managers were even excluded from management events and parties in one company Wirehead worked.
If you are in a union, think twice about becoming a manager. Do your home work. It may be a step backward.
source: Workers Independent News
art: http://www.agileforall.com
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