Unpaid Work Compensation Claim

Summary

Employers must pay for all required work hours, including early arrival for uniform changes. Altering clock-in times to avoid payment may violate the Fair Labor Standards Act. Compensation for unpaid work could include back pay and liquidated damages. Attendance issues may not directly affect the wage claim but could provide context. Consider consulting a local attorney, possibly on a pro bono or contingency basis, for personalized advice.

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I have been working for a precast concrete production company as a laborer for a little over a year now. I make $* an hour with a $* an hour incentive for being on time all week and working the full day Monday through Friday. To be considered on time I have to be at work before 6am to get dressed in the company uniform. If I’m not ready by 6am I lose my incentive for the week and I get a point added to my record. If I get to many points I am terminated. The problem I have is that I am required to come into work before * to * minutes before * am every day to get dressed but even if I clock in * minutes early, the company changes my clock in time to 6am so essentially I am being forced to come to work early and I am not being paid for it. Is this legal?
Hey Bo, concerning your situation, here are some general legal points regarding wages and clock-in practices in Indiana:
- Employers must pay employees for all hours worked, including time spent preparing for work if it's required.
- Altering clock-in times to avoid paying for work hours can be illegal under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Would you like to discuss this further or consider connecting with a local lawyer for more detailed guidance?
Yes but first please tell me, what kind of compensation could I be looking at for this case considering they are taking away *-* minutes of my life Monday through Friday for the past year
Hey Bo! In Indiana, if your employer is found to have violated wage laws by not paying for required early work hours, compensation could include:
- Back pay for the unpaid time.
- Possible liquidated damages equal to the unpaid wages.
- Legal fees if you pursue legal action.
Would you like to discuss this further or connect with a local lawyer for more detailed guidance?
Yes please and how would I go about getting a lawyer under pro bono circumstances? I don’t have the money now to pay for a lawyer
Case Rating: *
Hey Bo! Since your case involves potential wage violations, it could be a strong case. Would you like to be connected to local lawyers who can better assist you with your case? Many lawyers offer pro bono services or work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win the case.
What is your phone number?
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Bo, since this seems like a strong case, I'll help connect you to local lawyers who might offer pro bono services or work on contingency. What is your zipcode?
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Since your case involves potential wage violations, it's indeed a strong case. I'll proceed with connecting you to local lawyers who might offer pro bono services or work on contingency. Could you please provide your email address (optional) and a brief description of your legal issue?
No thank you
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Bo's situation involves potential wage violations, which could be a strong case for legal action. Since Bo already has all the necessary information and has chosen not to pursue further assistance, there's no need for additional questions or information. If any new concerns arise, feel free to reach out.
Actually I do have one more question, I have had some attendance issues in the past at this job, would that effect the outcome of this case considering it’s not directly related?
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Hey Bo! Attendance issues themselves might not directly impact the wage violation case. However, if they relate to your claim, such as being forced to arrive early, they could provide context. It’s still worth discussing with a lawyer for clarity. Would you like more guidance on this?