Noble Law offers consultations and legal advice for a variety of employment law issues, including pay, overtime, and leave. Our employment law firm has offices in both South Carolina and the Triangle Region, and when you choose to partner with us, we will treat you as part of a team. Open communication is key to what we do, and our employment law attorneys will be supporting you every step of the way. When it comes to workplace disputes, it can be incredibly hard to speak out against your employer. Here at The Noble Law, our employment lawyers will work to understand your situation and help inform you of your legal options. Schedule a consultation with one of our employment law attorneys in South Carolina or North Carolina today.
Many people hesitate or are too intimidated to report their employers for denying them pay, overtime, or leave that they are entitled to under the law. However, we want you to know that you have the law behind you. You do not have to accept unjust treatment in the workplace, and The Noble Law is here to help you fight back and stand up for your rights. If you have experienced wage theft, Equal Pay Act violations, 1099 contractor misclassification, or Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) interference or retaliation, please reach out to us.
At our law firm, an experienced Raleigh Pay, Overtime & Leave Attorney is here to listen to your story, help you understand your options, and provide you with the strong advocacy you need to prevail. We are trusted and proven employment law leaders serving clients throughout North Carolina.
What Pay, Overtime, and Leave Laws Are in Place to Protect Workers?
In Raleigh, as noted above, employees are protected by a combination of federal and state laws governing pay, overtime, and leave entitlements. Here is what you need to know:
Federal Laws:
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): The FLSA establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor standards for employees in the private sector and federal, state, and local governments. It requires employers to pay covered employees at least the federal minimum wage and overtime pay of one-and-one-half times the regular pay rate for every hour over 40 in a workweek.
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): The FMLA provides eligible employees of covered employers with unpaid, job-protected leave for specific family and medical reasons. For example, employees are entitled to up to 12 weeks of leave in a 12-month period for the birth or adoption of a child, to care for a family member with a serious health condition, or to deal with their own serious health condition.
State Laws:
- North Carolina Wage and Hour Act (NCWHA): North Carolina has its own wage and hour laws, which cover areas not addressed by federal law and provide additional protections for employees. The state minimum wage is currently $7.25 per hour, the same as the federal minimum. However, certain localities in North Carolina may have higher minimum wage rates. The NCWHA also has provisions addressing overtime pay, timely payment of wages, and notification requirements.
These laws serve as vital protections for workers and help them balance their work and family responsibilities by allowing them to take reasonable unpaid leave for specific family and medical reasons.
Challenges Employees Face in the Workplace
Despite the existence of laws and regulations aimed at protecting employees’ rights, employers may overlook or deliberately violate them, which can include the following:
- Unpaid Overtime: An employer may deny overtime pay or coerce employees not to report those hours. If you are classified as a “non-exempt” employee, you are legally entitled to time and half pay for every hour you work over the 40-hour threshold. The denial of this right may be due to misclassification, where workers are incorrectly classified as independent contractors or “exempt” employees, rendering them ineligible for overtime pay.
- Denial of Leave Requests: Workers may struggle or even be denied unpaid time off for poor health. The FMLA entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave with continuation of group health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as if the employee had not taken leave.
- Retaliation for Taking Leave: Employees who exercise their right to take leave may experience retaliation from their employers. This could manifest as demotions, reduced hours, or other adverse actions against the employee, including termination.
Employers may take these actions in a deliberate attempt to cut costs or maximize profits. An employer’s failure to follow employment laws can have serious consequences for employees, including financial losses, job insecurity, and unfair treatment in the workplace. Our compassionate lawyers can review your situation, educate you about your rights under state and federal employment laws, and give you all the information you need to decide which next steps are right for you.
How Our Pay, Overtime & Leave Attorneys Can Help You
Navigating pay, overtime, and leave disputes in Raleigh’s employment landscape is often complex and overwhelming. Our attorneys specialize in employment law and have a deep understanding of the regulations governing these areas.
During your initial evaluation, we will listen to your concerns, review relevant documents, and analyze the facts of your case to provide you with a clear understanding of your legal standing and potential outcomes. We will advocate on your behalf in negotiations with your employer, and if necessary, we will litigate aggressively to seek the best possible resolution for your case.
Speak With a Pay, Overtime & Leave Attorney in Raleigh Today
If you are facing challenges related to pay, overtime, or leave, an experienced employment law attorney at The Noble Law can help you assert your rights and seek remedies for any injustices you have experienced. Our employment law firm has offices in both South Carolina and North Carolina, and our wage dispute attorneys are ready to offer you legal advice and representation. Call to schedule a consultation with a Raleigh Pay, Overtime & Leave Attorney, or visit our office today.
Learn More
Part of our mission here at The Noble Law is educating our communities in North Carolina and South Carolina about employment law and workers’ rights. Part of our job as employment attorneys is to share our expertise with others, and we do so through educational employment law videos and our Noble Notes blog. If you’re interested in learning more about employment law regarding pay, overtime, and leave, or other issues in employment law, explore our resources below:
Along with representing clients with claims in the area of pay, overtime, and leave, we also represent employees in a variety of other areas of employment law. These include:
- Executive compensation disputes
- Workplace discrimination
- Retaliation and whistleblower law
- Workplace harassment, sexual harassment, and workplace assault
- Workplace investigations
Along with representing clients with claims of workplace harassment, sexual harassment, and workplace assault, we also represent workers in other areas of employment law. These areas include executive compensation disputes, workplace discrimination, retaliation and whistleblower protections, and pay, overtime, and leave. Learn more about our employment law firm’s Practice Areas and check out our About Page, and if you’re interested in speaking with one of our employment attorneys in North Carolina or South Carolina, contact us today.