I’m an hourly employee and I’m working lots of overtime but my manager doesn’t approve overtime pay unless in special cases. Can I raise a complaint?

[Anonymous]

[OlderAndWiser]

1. Keep a log of all hours that you work and whether you are paid the appropriate OT rate for aything over 40 hours.

2. When you have a backlog of OT hours for which you were paid your straight rate, go consult an attorney who specializes in representing employees in labor law matters. You are entitled to be paid OT for anything over 40 hours in a week and if you sue the employer, the employer must pay you twice the amout which they actually owe you, plus they must pay for your attorney's fees.

3. Federal law prohibits an employer from firing you because you file a wage & hour claim but your supervisor will find a way to make your life miserable. Discuss this with the attorney before you take any action against your employer.

[Asker]

I mean I’m only getting paid for 40 hours a week. She won’t approve any overtime. Because of her “budget”.

[Asker]

I get paid $70 an hour, and OT is $135 or so.

[OlderAndWiser]

How is it that you are working overtime if your employer doesn't approve it?

[slatyb]

This is likely on violation of the labor laws where you are. The laws should be posted at your 0lace of employment. Just Google "overtime pay [your location]"

[Anonymous]

It is silly to work hours and hours of overtime that you aren’t getting paid for. If you’re volunteering for that time then maybe you shouldn’t anymore. If you keep being put on the schedule to work longer and basically for free then yeah I would speak up.

[Asker]

I have to because it’s a really busy time of the year and people keep leaving and going on vacation. So I’m getting slammed with work.

[Opinion Owner]

You are literally not obligated to work those extra hours if your contract does not state otherwise. Depending on what company policy says, it is against the law to overwork you without pay. Take some time to read what you signed. Don’t be afraid to put your foot down at that job she can’t fire you for refusing that extra time. Policy is made to protect workers.

[Anonymous]

So you’re saying you work well over 40 hours a week but you’re not getting paid OT for those extra hours?

[In_Trance]

Complaint about what?