wage and hour disputes

Massachusetts employment wage and hour disputes are not uncommon. At Berluti McLaughlin & Kutchin LLP, we aim to help businesses and employees understand the complex world of employment law, especially regarding wage and hour challenges.

Keep reading to learn about wage and hour disputes and how our professional legal guidance can make a significant difference in ensuring you maneuver these laws successfully. Then contact us and let us explain how we can help you.  

What Are Wage and Hour Disputes?

Wage and hour disputes are when an employee’s compensation, working hours, or job conditions fail to reflect their true earning or working hours. These conflicts can result in significant employer financial penalties and reputational damages, and strain employer-employee relationships.

If employers fail to address issues promptly and fairly, they can create workplace tension and reduce morale. Additionally, employees facing wage and hour disputes often have difficulties related to their financial stability.

How Does BMK Help with Wage and Hour Cases?

BMK assists both employees and employers in understanding wage and hour cases, ensuring everyone is well-informed. We provide essential support for employees in addressing issues like unpaid wages, overtime violations, employee misclassification, and meal and rest break violations.

We work diligently to secure fair compensation and justice, representing employees in negotiations and, when necessary, court proceedings to achieve a rightful outcome. For employers, we offer comprehensive guidance on regulatory compliance to help prevent wage and hour disputes. By implementing best practices, we can ensure fair compensation standards while reducing legal risks.

We approach each case with a client-centered focus, providing employees and employers with clear, compassionate guidance throughout the legal process. Employees benefit from a safe space to pursue their earnings and job security. 

Additionally, we help employers develop proactive compliance strategies that reduce the risk of costly disputes. This dual approach contributes to a fairer and more transparent workplace by making both sides confident in understanding and upholding wage and hour regulations.

What Triggers a Wage and Hour Lawsuit?

Understanding the causes of wage and hour lawsuits is the first step in protecting your rights. Here are some of the most common triggers:

  • Untimely payment.  Employers must pay terminated employees all wages (including commissions) due and owing to them on the date of termination.  Failure to do so constitutes a violation of the Massachusetts Wage Act, which requires the payment of treble (triple) damages.
  • Overtime violations. Employers must pay non-exempt employees time-and-a-half for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Failure to comply can lead to significant penalties.
  • Employee misclassification. It is unlawful to mistakenly or intentionally classify workers as “exempt” or as independent contractors to avoid paying overtime, benefits, and other employee-related expenses.
  • Minimum wage violations. Employers must comply with the state minimum wage laws. Lesser payments, including deductions or expenses reducing an employee’s earnings below the minimum wage, constitute a violation.
  • Rest and meal break violations. Under Massachusetts wage and hour laws, employees must receive regular rest and meal breaks. Denying breaks or failing to compensate employees for work done during these periods violates these requirements.
  • Off-the-clock work. It is illegal to require employees to perform tasks outside their paid working period, including mandatory meetings, training sessions, or preparatory work, without compensating them.

Each situation can lead to a messy legal battle, but a skilled wage and hour attorney at BMK can review your claim and explain your options for avoiding a protracted wage and hour dispute battle.

Trust BMK with Your Wage & Hour Needs

Wage and hour disputes are often complex, but with the right legal team, they don’t have to be overwhelming. At BMK, we pledge to remain true to our founding principles:

  • Personalized legal guidance. Our attorneys take the time to understand your unique situation, offering customized strategies to achieve stellar outcomes. Whether you’re a business executive dealing with compliance or an employee seeking justice, we provide the expertise and guidance you need.
  • Proactive solutions. Our proactive approach helps businesses anticipate and avoid potential wage and hour disputes. We provide practical advice that enables companies to implement best practices and minimize the risk of labor violations.
  • Strong advocacy. Our seasoned advocates will vigorously represent your interests if your dispute escalates to litigation. 

Our team—ranked among the “Best Law Firm’s Best Lawyers” in 2024 and named one of TopVerdict.com’s “Top 100 jury verdicts for labor & employment law”—takes pride in offering excellent client service, technical knowledge, and personalized attention to both employers and employees.

From crafting custom compliance strategies to courtroom representation, we will handle every step of your wage and hour lawsuit. Contact us today to learn how we can confidently help you face these challenges.

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