Holiday Overtime

While the majority of Americans get to spend holidays with their friends and family, there are some jobs that still need to be performed. Workers who bear this burden are entitled to overtime pay for their sacrifice, but not every employee receives the money they are entitled to. Unscrupulous employers frequently deny hard-earned overtime pay to their employees, but they can be brought to justice.

Overtime is defined by law as 1.5 times your usual hourly pay, commonly called time-and-a-half. Overtime can't be paid in goods or time off, it must be wages. Anyone who qualifies for overtime is automatically entitled to overtime for any work past 40 hours per week. In addition, any work on holidays – defined as times when other people are off work – automatically counts as overtime.

Remember, however, that not everyone is eligible for overtime. Most people who are paid an hourly wage can qualify for overtime. If you make less than $455 per week or $23,600 a year, you automatically qualify. In the right circumstances, many people who are paid a salary can also receive overtime, although there are certain industries where salaried workers are exempt.

If you have been denied overtime pay, even though you are eligible and can prove that you worked those hours, you can take your employer to court. Exploiting an employee's sacrifice by denying them their hard-earned overtime is not just unjust, it is against the law.

Contact Us

No employer has the right to deny overtime pay to qualifying employees, especially during the holidays. To learn what steps you can take to bring your employer to justice, contact the Houston employment lawyers of the Ross Law Group today. To discuss your case directly with a Texas employment lawyer, call 713-482-6910.