$105k in Overtime Wages Recovered on Behalf of Tampa Healthcare Workers

A recent investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor highlights a common wage issue affecting workers across Tampa, particularly in the healthcare and office-based industries. According to the Department of Labor, a Tampa healthcare benefits management company failed to properly pay its employees for all hours worked, including time spent logging into computers before shifts and bonuses that should have been included in overtime calculations. As a result, the employer paid more than $105,000 in back wages to affected employees and agreed to change its pay practices moving forward.

While this recovery helped dozens of workers, it also raises an important question for many Tampa employees: what if you worked overtime but never received proper overtime pay? Here we explain the basics of your rights to overtime pay in Tampa, and what you can do if you were shorted your overtime pay.

Overtime Pay in Tampa: The Basics

In Tampa, and throughout the State of Florida, under federal law, most non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay at one and one-half times their regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 hours in a workweek. This includes not just scheduled work hours, but often tasks that employers may overlook or improperly exclude, such as pre-shift duties, required computer logins, mandatory meetings, and certain bonuses.

Although the law is clear that Tampa employers must pay overtime pay to employees, the truth is that sometimes Tampa employers fail to do so. One common overtime violation occurs when employers fail to count all compensable time. Even small amounts of unpaid work performed before or after a shift can add up over time, resulting in significant unpaid wages. Another frequent issue arises when bonuses, incentive pay, or shift differentials are not included in the calculation of an employee’s regular rate of pay, leading to underpaid overtime wages.

Healthcare workers, office staff, call center employees, and other hourly workers in Tampa are particularly vulnerable to these types of violations. Many workers assume their employer’s pay practices are lawful, or they worry about speaking up for fear of retaliation. However, wage and hour laws exist to protect Tampa workers, and employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who assert their rights.

What You Can Do if You Are Owed Overtime Backpay in Tampa

If you worked overtime in Tampa but were not paid overtime wages, it is important to understand that you may have legal options. In many cases, Tampa employees can recover unpaid overtime wages going back several years, along with additional damages depending on the circumstances. Each situation is different, and the amount recoverable depends on factors such as job duties, pay structure, and how hours were tracked. A Tampa unpaid overtime lawyer can help evaluate your situation, determine whether wage violations occurred, and explain what steps you can take next. An experienced Tampa unpaid overtime lawyer can review time records, pay stubs, and employer policies to assess whether your employer complied with overtime laws. In some cases, claims can be resolved through negotiation or mediation, while others may require formal legal action in court.

If you suspect your employer failed to pay you overtime wages, do not hesitate to reach out to the experienced Tampa unpaid overtime lawyers at the law firm Florin Gray. Contact Florin Gray today and speak with a lawyer about your case now.

Source:

dol.gov/newsroom/releases/whd/whd20220104-2