Wage and Overtime Disputes in Washington

The laws that govern hourly wages, payroll deduction, overtime and other similar matters are extensive. These laws include both state and federal regulations including: the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Washington Minimum Wage Act, the Washington Wage Payment Act and scores of other statutes and regulations. At HKM Employment Attorneys, we have over 40 years of experience dealing with employment law. We have helped countless clients to overcome wage and overtime difficulties. Our firm focuses on employment law so that we can provide clients with the most knowledgeable and experienced representation. Wage and overtime cases that we have successfully addressed in the past have included the following:

• Failure to pay for “off-the-clock” work
• Failure to pay wages or compensation
• Improper deductions
• Failure to pay overtime
• Misclassification of employees as independent contractors as to avoid paying overtime

In many cases, Washington state law provides workers greater wage and hour rights protections than those available under federal law. For example, Washington’s minimum wage is currently at $9.19 per hour, while the federal minimum wage is only $7.25 per hour. Washington’s Wage Payment Act of 2006, mentioned above, provides a process through which workers can collect unpaid wages. The law gives the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries the legal authority to collect wages and interest for workers, helping the state ensure that employers are in compliance with wage and hour laws.

The Wage Payment Act does not supplant a traditional cause of action, and unpaid workers may still file a lawsuit if they wish to do so. It is important to note, however, that 10 days after a worker obtains a citation against an employer, he or she is barred from filing suit. If you believe that you have a claim against an employer for unpaid wages, it is important that you discuss your case with an attorney. In cases where an employer willfully withheld wages, you could be entitled to double the amount withheld. The same remedy is not available through the administrative process with the Department of Labor & Industries, and you may be giving up your right to sue if you proceed. An experienced employment law attorney can help you determine which option will be more beneficial for you.

Video on Wage Law with Attorney Dan Kalish

Employment Law and Wage Claims

Our firm handles all stages of employment law matters from workplace investigation to litigation. Due to our extensive experience and knowledge in employment law, we are able to quickly analyze a case and develop an all-encompassing approach to case management. If you have any questions regarding an overtime claim or other wage matter, an attorney from our firm can review your case today.

Contact a Washington employment law attorney from the firm today. We are here to assist you.