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Top Industries For Wage And Hourly Pay Violations

Workers are often shocked to discover that they are being underpaid. Unfortunately, wage violations are far more common than most people realize. If you suspect that you have not been paid the wages you have earned, the best thing you can do is contact an experienced employment attorney as soon as possible. They can determine whether you have a claim and help you understand your options.

Top Industries for Wage Violations

The Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor keeps statistics for each fiscal year that tracks the highest number of violations per industry among “low wage” workers. For 2021, their statistics reflect the following industries for the highest number of violations, both in terms of the number of violations and back wages owed:

  • Agriculture
  • Amusement
  • Apparel manufacturing
  • Auto repair
  • Child care
  • Construction
  • Food services
  • Guard services
  • Cosmetic and beauty services
  • Healthcare
  • Hospitality
  • Janitorial services
  • Landscaping services
  • Retail
  • Temporary help

Of course, you should not assume that wage and hourly pay violations are limited to only these industries. Industries with higher wage workers that routinely violate wage and hourly pay laws include the following:

  • Interns
  • Call center operators
  • Delivery drivers
  • IT employees
  • Transportation workers
  • Loan officers and underwriters
  • Medical billing coders
  • Nurses
  • News reporters
  • Assistant managers
  • Field engineers and service technicians
  • Sales representatives
  • Oil and gas workers

The reality is that wage and hourly pay violations can occur in any industry. However, these violations can often be difficult to identify, especially when unscrupulous employers go out of their way to conceal the fact that you are not being paid what you earned. Trust your instincts, if you suspect that you are not receiving the appropriate wages, contact an employment lawyer as soon as possible.

Your Remedies

If you have been underpaid, you have remedies under both federal and state law. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, you may be entitled to the following:

  • All unpaid wages including overtime
  • Liquidated damages and other penalties
  • Punitive damages
  • Your attorney’s fees and costs

Many people are hesitant to contact a lawyer because they simply cannot afford it. This is especially true if you are being underpaid. The fact that you can recover your attorney’s fees and costs as part of your claim makes it easier for these cases to proceed. In addition, it incentivizes workers to hold their employers accountable for negligent or unscrupulous payroll practices. If you are still concerned about the potential cost of pursuing your claim, discuss with your employment attorney whether alternative arrangements may be available.

Wage Violation? Contact Erdal Employment Law Today

You work hard for your wages and you deserve to be paid whatever you earn. Don’t let your employer take advantage of you, get the help you need to take action and enforce your rights. Erdal Employment Law aggressively protects workers’ right to a fair wage. To discuss your case and how we can help, call or email us today to schedule a consultation.