Denver, COlorado Wage & Hour Attorneys

Employers Must Follow Federal & State Wage and Hour Laws

You go to work every day and expect to collect a fair and honest pay that reflects the hours you have put in. Yet too many times, employees are the victims of wage theft and unfair labor practices. Sometimes the employee doesn’t even know they are being taken advantage of, because they aren’t sure what they should be receiving under federal and state law. Federal Labor Laws as well as state and local laws require employers to follow a strict set of guidelines regarding how they pay employees. When an employer does not pay their workers according to those guidelines, employees may be left feeling cheated, but ironically, often they continue to work for that employer because they need the money. The Ramos Law Firm has deeply experienced wage and hour attorneys who can help you determine if your employer is violating wage and hour laws and we will fight to get you the wages and compensation you deserve.

Overtime Pay

Meal and Work Breaks

Frequently Asked Questions About Wage and Hour Laws

There are many laws governing employers and how they pay their employees. Here, we provide a list of common questions regarding employer practices and how workers can protect themselves from unscrupulous job policies.

I work for tips, which aren’t always very good. I feel like I’m working my tail off but my paycheck sure doesn’t reflect it. Isn’t my employer supposed to pay me something when my tips are low?

Under Colorado law, tipped employees must be paid at least $5.21 an hour. When your tips and your hourly wage do not equal the Colorado minimum wage rate of $8.23 when calculated for a seven day workweek, your employer is to make up the difference.[1] If your employer is not making up the difference on your paychecks, you should speak to a Colorado employment attorney for advice on your rights and protections. [1] https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/tipped-employees

I have to change clothes, walk from the changing room to the factory, and then clock in. This usually takes about 15 minutes to the beginning of my day and another 15 at the end of my day. Should I get paid for this time?

Yes. In most cases, federal and state laws say that employees are to be paid for pre-work and post-work job-related duties. If you are not being paid for the additional 30 minutes of work related duties you perform each day, you should speak with your employment attorney as soon as possible.

I am a salaried employee, does that mean I can’t get overtime pay?

There are some cases where a salaried employee would be eligible for overtime. Federal law says that salaried employees who make less than $11.37 an hour may be entitled to overtime pay when they work more than 12 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. Your employment law attorney will know if you are eligible for overtime.

My employer keeps taking the costs of uniforms from my paycheck, but employees have to buy their own uniforms. I told them I don’t want those fees taken from my check, but they continue. Can I do something to make them stop?

Yes, the law says that an employer is not allowed to take unauthorized wage deductions. Since you already brought the issue to the attention of your employer and they refuse to stop, you can file a Wage Complaint under the Colorado Wage Protection Act. Your employment attorney can advise you of your rights under the law, as well as guide you through the complaint process. Speak to your attorney as soon as possible.

Talk to the Employment Attorneys at Ramos Law.

The Ramos Law employment attorneys understand that wage theft and exploitation are certainly not problems confined to just one type or class of employee. For this reason, we make it our practice to act as both a compassionate ear and a strong voice for Colorado’s exploited workers. We can help you find out if federal and state laws apply to your wage and hour situation and fight to get you your unpaid wages. You work hard. You deserve to be paid for the hours you work. If you think you have not been paid proper wages and overtime, we want to help you. Contact our team at Ramos Law today.