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Wage and Hour laws regulate minimum wage, overtime pay, equal pay and child labor. They also set standards for paydays, pay periods and wage deductions. In Augusta, these laws are provided by the United States Department of Labor (US DOL) as well as Augusta's state statutes. Employers must comply with both federal and state laws.
Common situations where you may need legal advice include cases of unpaid overtime, denied breaks, wage deductions, minimum wage violations, misclassification, unpaid wages, or abusive employment practices. A lawyer can assist by determining if you have a valid wage claim, file that claim, and represent you during hearings or negotiations.
In Augusta, employers are required to follow the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), a federal law that outlines minimum wage and overtime pay standards. The current federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. Georgia's state law also allows for a minimum wage of $5.15 per hour, but most workers will be entitled to the higher federal minimum. In terms of overtime pay, employees should be paid at a rate of 1.5 times their regular pay for any hours worked past 40 in a work week. Discrepancies or violations in these laws might lead to wage and hour disputes.
It is important to document evidence of your overtime work and consult with a knowledgeable wage and hour attorney. They can help you file a claim and represent you in court.
The federal minimum wage, which is applicable in Augusta, is currently $7.25/hr. Georgia state law allows for a wage as low as $5.15, but only in limited cases.
When state and federal wage laws conflict, the law that is most beneficial to the employee is the one that applies.
In certain circumstances, wage claim litigations may work on a contingency basis where you only pay the lawyer if you win your claim.
You generally have two years to file a wage claim under the FLSA, or three years if the violation was willful.
Additional helpful resources include the United States Department of Labor, the Georgia Department of Labor and the National Employment Law Project. The Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System provides access to legal resources and databases.
If you need legal assistance, start by documenting your case - record hours worked, pay received, and any relevant communication. Consult with an experienced wage and hour attorney who practices in Augusta. Depending on your circumstances, you may want to file a claim with the US DOL's Wage and Hour Division or pursue a private legal claim. Always remember to act quickly to stay within any deadlines.
