If you have been subjected to wage theft as a nanny, you may be entitled to compensation. Unfortunately, millions of workers across the country are subjected to wage theft every year.
You do have limited time to pursue a claim if you have suffered wage theft, you should make sure you file your claim right away because time is limited. You are entitled to your earnings, and you should make sure your employer compensates you fairly.
Ways A Nanny Could Suffer Wage Theft
There are many different ways in which wage theft occurs. You must be alert and make sure you file any complaints regarding your wages right away.
If it is very important to keep track of your earnings and to check all paychecks to make sure that you are paid for all the hours you worked, that you are paid the agreed wage, and that you are paid every dollar you are entitled to receive.
If you work more than 40 hours per week, you may be entitled to overtime. Depending on your state laws, you may be entitled to overtime if you work more than a set number of hours per day. You should familiarize yourself with the state and federal laws that apply with your specific situation.
You should maintain thorough documentation to support your claim, including copies of timesheets and notes regarding your work duties and any breaks. You should regularly add up your earnings and compare those with the earnings that you are paid through your paycheck.
What You Need To Know
There are state and federal laws that protect you as a nanny or as any kind of worker. Some of those laws are the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
The FLSA sets minimum wage requirements, and you must be paid at least minimum wage. If you are paid an hourly wage, you must receive at least the federal minimum wage, which is $7.25 per hour.
Your state may have additional laws that require a higher minimum wage, so be sure to check your state laws regarding pay.
You should maintain evidence to support your claim. This will include employment contracts, paystubs, timecards, witness statements, emails, memos, and other messages and documents pertaining to your employment.
The more supporting evidence that you can provide, the more likely you are to have a successful case against your employer and show that you suffered wage theft.
There are many ways in which wage theft occurs. You may not be paid for all the hours you worked, you may not be paid the agreed wage, you may have excessive deductions from your earnings, you may be required to work before or after your scheduled shift and not be paid for the time, or you may be required to work through breaks.
Be sure to document everything. If you suspect you have been a victim of wage theft as a nanny, you should get a claim underway.
When Does It Become Wage Theft
It becomes wage theft when you are not paid minimum wage, are not paid for all the time worked, or there are illegal deductions taken from your check.
There are federal and state laws in place to protect you in such situations, and you have resources available to help you. You should get your complaint underway by speaking with your employer. Either talk with a supervisor or with the human resources (HR) department. Provide copies of supporting documentation.
Be sure to document everything that is said and how your employer responds. Keep all correspondence that you receive regarding your claim.
The more supporting evidence that you have, the more likely you are to prevail. In your claim, you can ask to be compensated for your losses, which include any lost wages or benefits that you were entitled to receive.
If your employer does not satisfactorily resolve the issue, your next step will be to file a claim with the Wage and Hour Division in your state. They will investigate the matter and work to resolve it.
Consult With An Attorney
If you have suffered wage theft as a nanny, you should speak with an employment law attorney. With the help of a lawyer, you are more likely to recoup compensation for your damages.
There is limited time for pursuing a claim, so complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page today to share the details of your claim.
