If you work in Indiana and your employer fails to pay you overtime, understanding your rights is essential. Overtime laws exist to ensure you receive fair compensation for the extra time you work. When your employer doesn’t follow these laws, you have steps to take to secure the pay you deserve.
Overtime pay requirements
Both federal and Indiana state law require employers to pay overtime for any hours worked over 40 in a single workweek. The overtime rate is typically 1.5 times your regular hourly rate. While some exceptions apply, such as salaried employees in certain roles, most workers qualify for overtime pay.
How to address an overtime pay dispute
If your employer fails to pay you overtime, start by talking to your employer or HR department. Often, payroll errors occur, and a conversation can resolve the issue quickly. If the employer refuses to pay or the issue remains unresolved, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division or the Indiana Department of Labor. You can recover the unpaid overtime wages, plus interest.
Legal actions for unpaid overtime
If the dispute continues, you can file a lawsuit to recover unpaid wages. In some cases, the court may award additional damages, such as double the unpaid wages as liquidated damages. It’s important to keep accurate records of the hours you worked to support your claim.
If your employer retaliates for raising the issue, you may have grounds for further legal action. Indiana and federal law protect you from retaliation when you assert your rights to overtime pay.
Unpaid overtime isn’t just about money – it’s about ensuring fair treatment for workers. Taking the right steps helps you enforce your rights and recover what you are owed.