Many employers seek to reduce cost by hiring independent contractors to perform some work. The employer does not have to pay benefits to an independent contractor. But, what is an independent contractor? The IRS uses one test to determine whether an employee is a true independent contractor and not just an employee under a
Wage and Hour Issues
State Workers Lack Wage Protections
State workers have it rough. Yea, they have more job security than many private employees. But, if they are not paid in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act, they cannot file suit against their employer. That was the result of the 1999 decision in Alden v. Maine. They also cannot sue their employer…
DOL Gets a Failing Grade
Rio Grande attorney, Aaron Ramirez, explains nicely the problems with seeking redress for wage violations from the Department of Labor. As he says, its better to seek relief through a private attorney.
Aaron points out for example that DOL does not normally seek liquidated damages. Liquidated damages is a phrase referring to monies used…
Deductions from a Paycheck
Many callers want to know about miscellaneous deductions from a paycheck. Auto repair shops deduct for lost tools, long haul truck companies deduct for uniforms, everyone deducts for something. Often, these employers deduct the wrong things in the wrong way. Under the Texas Payday Statute, an employer can only deduct only what the law…
How Not to Enforce the Minimum Wage Laws
Wage and Hour Division…
Continue Reading How Not to Enforce the Minimum Wage Laws