Putting in extra hours at work is often part of the job—but being properly paid for your time is not optional. Unfortunately, many workers in Union County are denied overtime pay they rightfully earned. Whether your employer misclassifies your role or simply ignores overtime laws, you may be entitled to significant back pay. Castronovo & McKinney, Employment Law Attorneys are here to help you take action and recover what you’re owed.
What Are Overtime Pay Laws?
Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and New Jersey state law, most employees are entitled to overtime pay—1.5 times their regular hourly rate—for any hours worked over 40 in a workweek. However, employers often violate these rules in ways that shortchange employees.
Common Unpaid Overtime Violations
- Misclassifying hourly workers as exempt salaried employees
- Requiring off-the-clock work (e.g., setup, cleanup, checking emails after hours)
- Failing to track and record all hours worked
- Offering comp time instead of paid overtime (not legal in private sector jobs)
Who Is Entitled to Overtime Pay?
Generally, non-exempt employees—most hourly workers—are entitled to overtime pay. Some salaried workers may also qualify, depending on their job duties and salary level. Don’t assume you’re exempt just because your employer says so. An experienced attorney can determine your eligibility based on the facts.
What to Do If You Haven’t Been Paid
If you believe you’re owed overtime pay, here are the steps you should take:
- Track your hours independently, including time spent working off the clock
- Compare your duties and pay against state and federal exemption criteria
- Request pay records from your employer
- Consult with an employment law attorney to determine the value of your unpaid wages
Your Rights Under the Law
You may be entitled to:
- Back pay for all unpaid overtime hours
- Liquidated damages equal to the amount of unpaid wages
- Attorney’s fees and legal costs
New Jersey law protects you from retaliation for asserting your rights. If your employer takes action against you for speaking up, that’s a separate violation you can also pursue.
Legal Help for Union County Workers
Castronovo & McKinney, Employment Law Attorneys have successfully recovered unpaid wages for workers across Union County and beyond. Their legal team understands the tactics employers use to deny overtime and knows how to fight back. Whether you’re a retail worker, health care employee, construction laborer, or office staffer, they are ready to help you reclaim what you’re owed.
Contact Castronovo & McKinney Today
If you’re working overtime and not getting paid, don’t let your hard-earned wages slip away. Contact Castronovo & McKinney for a confidential consultation and start the process of getting the compensation you deserve.
New Jersey Office:
71 Maple Ave
Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: 973.920.7888
Fax: 973.920.7924
New York Office:
420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1830
New York, NY 10170
Phone: 646.755.3781
Fax: 646.755.3781
