What Can Tennessee Residents Expect for Extra Hours Worked?

Many of us right here in Tennessee and across the country put in long hours at the office, in the factory, in a school, a restaurant, or even in construction. We do this because we need the money to help support ourselves and our families. This is why it is important that we get paid for the extra hours we put into our work. If you not get paid time and a half for the extra hours you have put in during a work week, then you should seek the legal advice and help of a Tennessee Employment Attorney who specializes in compensation cases. They can help you with your case and make sure you get the money that you are entitled to.

When can an Employee qualify for extra money during a work week?

Tennessee law states that any employee who is paid by the hour qualifies for extra money or payment for any time they work more than a normal forty-hour work week. This does not include extra time for lunch and two short breaks. Any employer that does not pay their employees extra payment for extra hours worked is violating Tennessee law. However, an employer does not have to give any employee extra hours and does not have to pay them for time they did actually perform their duties on the job. Under Tennessee law which includes the Wage Regulation Act an employer must inform their works of their rights and their wages before they can be hired. This regulation also prohibits a supervisor or boss from cutting wages because a worker was late or did not perform certain job requirements. A supervisor or boss is also required by Tennessee law to keep on file the number of hours an employee was on the job, including extra hours, for breaks and meetings. People in health positions may follow a different payment program and therefore, these requirements may not apply to them.

Do people without hourly positions get extra payment for extra hours?

The answer is yes, especially if their position does not require the extra time they may have put into the position. However to qualify for this specific type of payment (i.e. non-hourly pay) these workers should make at least a certain amount of money and are expected to have certain job requirements. Current regulations require employers to give extra pay to their non- hourly workers if they make below a specific amount of income. Health and emergency employees however are not covered by these regulations. Also, employers are also not allowed to give employees certain titles just so they do not have to give them extra payment for the time they work. What work is required for a non-hourly position? A boss is expected to be responsible for at least two employees. An administrative position requires that the person have some say in an action that affects the company or business. If you make less than a certain amount, you do not handle tasks that are within your job title, then you may be able to get extra money for extra hours worked in a work week.

What are some tricks supervisors may play to get out of extra pay requirements for their workers?

This does happen sometimes on the job. One trick supervisors may use is shorter work weeks (i.e. less than seven days). Another trick is changing your schedule or giving you a role or title that does not fit with your on the job duties.

Tennessee law also does not allow an employer to terminate an employee for speaking up about an unlawful payment situation. So if you or a loved one suspects that your payment requirements have been unlawful or disrespected, we encourage you to contact a Tennessee Employment attorney immediately. They have the knowledge and experience that can help you win your case and get you the extra money you are entitled to for the extra work that you do.

Contact us online or call 855-529-3675 for a free consultation to discuss your legal options and overtime compensation rights.