Every hardworking employee deserves to be paid fairly for the time they put in. Unfortunately, many New Jersey workers are not being compensated properly for overtime hours. Whether due to employer oversight or willful violation, failure to pay overtime is a serious issue—and it’s one that New Jersey and federal laws address head-on.
At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we believe that employees should never have to fight alone for what they’ve rightfully earned. If you suspect you’ve been denied overtime pay, our experienced legal team is ready to stand with you and ensure your rights are upheld.
Overtime Law Basics
Under both the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and New Jersey wage laws, non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay at one and one-half times their regular hourly rate for any hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. These rules apply to hourly workers and, in many cases, salaried employees as well—depending on their job duties and income level.
Some common violations include:
- Failing to pay time-and-a-half for overtime
- Requiring off-the-clock work without compensation
- Misclassifying employees as exempt or as independent contractors
- Improperly calculating overtime pay based on base wage only, excluding bonuses or commissions
Employees who are denied overtime may be entitled to back pay, double damages, and attorney fees under the law.
Am I Entitled to Overtime Pay?
Many employees mistakenly believe that being paid a salary automatically disqualifies them from overtime. That’s not always true. Whether you’re entitled to overtime depends on your job duties and how much you earn—not simply your job title or how you’re paid.
For example, “exempt” employees such as executives, professionals, or certain administrative workers must meet specific salary thresholds and perform certain types of work to be excluded from overtime requirements. Employers often misapply these rules to save money, leaving workers without the pay they deserve.
Signs of Overtime Violations
If any of the following apply to your situation, you may be a victim of an overtime violation:
- You routinely work more than 40 hours per week without extra pay
- Your employer asks you to clock out and continue working
- You are labeled “exempt,” but your duties are manual or clerical
- Your overtime is calculated incorrectly, excluding incentive pay or commissions
Don’t assume your employer’s classification is correct. A knowledgeable employment lawyer can evaluate whether you’re truly exempt or misclassified under the law.
How NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC Can Help
Our team at NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC has deep experience handling wage and hour violations, including unpaid overtime claims. We will thoroughly investigate your job duties, compensation structure, and work hours to determine whether your employer has violated overtime laws. If so, we’ll fight for every dollar you’re owed.
We handle both individual lawsuits and collective (class) actions on behalf of groups of employees. No case is too big or too small. Our mission is to level the playing field for workers across New Jersey who are being shortchanged.
Know Your Rights and Take Action
Time is of the essence in overtime claims. New Jersey has strict deadlines for filing, and waiting too long can limit your recovery. If you’re in New Jersey and believe you’re being denied overtime, don’t stay silent. Let NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC help you take the next step toward justice and compensation.
Contact NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC
Address:
101 Eisenhower Pkwy #300
Roseland, NJ 07068
Phone: (973) 358-7027
About Us:
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC proudly represents workers throughout New Jersey in employment matters including wage violations, unpaid overtime, harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. When your pay and your rights are at stake, we’re ready to fight for you.