WAGES

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) governs wage and hour law by defining the 40-hour workweek, establishing a federal minimum wage, providing for overtime, and regulating child labor. Generally speaking, employees must be paid for any "work time" – time spent on an activity that is performed for the benefit of the employer. Although co-workers may be paid different amounts depending on their skills, education, and background, pay differentiation can not be based on a protected characteristic such as race, sex, or religion.

In Pennsylvania, the governing statute is the Wage Payment Collection Law (WPCL). The WPCL does not create a right to wages or benefits, but provides a statutory remedy where the employer breaches a contractual right to wages that have been earned. The protections of the WPCL extend to all employees based in Pennsylvania.

If an employer violates the FLSA or the WPCL, a plaintiff employee is entitled to statutory damages, which include past wages, attorney fees, and liquidated damages.

FOR EMPLOYEES: If pay that you have earned is being withheld for whatever reason, please call me at 215-545-8917 to discuss your situation.

FOR EMPLOYERS: If you are facing a lawsuit under the FLSA or WPCL, or faced with a situation where you want to ensure you comply with the wage payment acts, please call me at 215-545-8917 to discuss your situation.

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