Understanding the overtime rights of workers

On Behalf of | Nov 1, 2018 | Employee Rights |

Dedicating 40 hours per week to one’s job can be a significant investment of time and can keep a Minnesota resident away from their family more than they want. However, as most people know, situations arise where workers have to put in more time than what is generally expected of them during a normal week. When a non-exempt worker works more than 40 hours in a given week, they are entitled to overtime pay.

Under federal law, overtime pay should equal one and one-half times the worker’s normal pay. That means that if a worker normally makes $20 per hour, their overtime pay should be $30 per hour. Up to 40 hours per week, the worker would take home $20 per hour, but any time over 40 hours would be compensated at $30 per hour.

Not all workers are paid overtime. Certain classifications of jobs exempt employers from having to pay their workers extra. Individuals who work in professional settings are generally paid a salary rather than by the hour and their salary is not increased if they work more than 40 hours per week. If a worker’s position involves management or independent discretion in the performance of their duties, they may have a position that is exempt from receiving overtime pay.

Getting paid overtime is fair compensation for a worker who has to put in extra hours at their job and spend extra time away from the people they love. If a worker encounters resistance from their employer regarding their right to overtime pay, they may have concerns about whether they will be fairly compensated for the work they have done. Individuals having problems getting paid their rightful overtime can speak with employment law attorneys about their struggles.