Millions of workers are the victims of wage theft every year. Reports indicate that billions of dollars of wages are stolen every year. People of all professions could be subjected to the unscrupulous behavior. As a boilermaker, you should keep track of your time and maintain supporting documentation. If you notice a discrepancy in your pay, you should report it right away and make sure it is promptly addressed.
Unfortunately, many boilermakers don’t realize that they are experiencing wage theft until later and it has been an ongoing problem. You have a limited time – only 180 days from the date of the theft – to pursue a claim to recoup your losses. You need to check every pay period to make sure you have been compensated all your earnings.
How Wage Theft May Happen To A Boilermaker
When you are hired, you should receive an employment contract that indicates your hourly wage and you should also get an employee handbook or similar document. You should keep track of all these employment documents because they will be needed later. According to PayScale.com, the average wage of a boilermaker is $29.11 per hour.
There are several ways that a boilermaker could experience wage theft. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is federal law setting guidelines for employers. If you are not exempt, you are entitled to overtime pay at a rate of one-and-a-half times that of your regular pay when you work more than 40 hours per week. Often, employees such as boilermakers are misclassified so the employer doesn’t have to pay overtime. If this occurs, wage theft takes place.
Work begins as soon as you enter the workplace, including the time it takes you to get your protective gear on and everything in order to work. Your workday doesn’t end until you leave the workplace. If you are not paid for all the time you work, then wage theft is occurring. If you are working on a project and told to stay and finish it, but you are not paid for all those hours, then you have suffered wage theft. Also, boilermakers may notice unauthorized or illegal deductions from their paychecks. If that is the case, you can file a complaint for that.
What To Do If You Experience Wage Theft As A Boilermaker
If you suspect wage theft, you should confirm it by comparing all your documents and calculating how much you should have been paid. Your first step will be to file a complaint with your employer. You will do this by notifying your manager or human resources. Be specific. Explain what happened, how it happened, and how much you believe that you are owed. The more supporting documentation that you can provide, the more likely you are to succeed with your claim.
If your employer doesn’t take your claim seriously, or if the problem is not properly and promptly addressed, you will need to take your wage theft claim to the next level. This means that you will need to file a claim with the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor or with your nearest Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The Wage and Hour Division will investigate and then send notification to your employer and tell them to pay you what is owed.
If the matter isn’t resolved, your final step will be to file a lawsuit. Your case will then proceed to court and a judge or a jury will determine the outcome of your case against your employer.
How An Employment Law Attorney Can Help You
If you have been the victim of wage theft as a boilermaker, you should enlist the help of an employment law attorney who handles wage theft cases. With the help of an attorney who is familiar with the state and federal employment laws, you are much more likely to recoup compensation and have a successful claim.
When you speak with an employment law attorney, be sure to go over their payment plan. Some employment law attorneys require a retainer to be paid upfront, but others will take cases on a contingency basis and not be paid until you win your claim.
Remember that you do have limited time to file a claim. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to share the details with an attorney who practices employment law and handles wage theft claims in your state. You will want to get your claim in order as quickly as possible.
