Wage theft is more common than people realize. Employers may steal income from their employees for months or years without many employees ever noticing.
Employees should know how to spot wage theft to reclaim their rightful pay. Here are some common types of wage theft:
1. Unpaid overtime
Many employees are entitled to overtime pay, which is additional income for working extra hours during the workweek. In Illinois, employees who work more than 40 hours in a workweek are entitled to one and one-half their typical pay rate. However, some employers will withhold overtime pay.
2. Working off the clock
Some employers will use subtle tactics to avoid paying their employees. For example, employers may ask their employees to work off the clock to complete large projects. However, employees who work overtime off the clock may still be entitled to overtime pay.
3. Misclassification
Employee misclassification could prevent an employee from being paid overtime. If an employer classifies their employee as a contractor or exempt, they could potentially cheat an employee out of income.
4. Minimum wage violations
State regulations require employees to be paid minimum wage. However, employees may fail to pay minimum wage or classify employees to avoid paying minimum wage.
5. Illegal deductions
Many jobs require employees to wear uniforms, use specialized tools or use company equipment. Employers may argue that an employee’s income should be deducted to pay for outfits or tools. However, deducting an employee’s income to pay for tools and uniforms could be considered an illegal deduction.
Professional legal guidance can help employees recover stolen wages.