I recently came across a 2009 statement from the 2009 General Accounting Office (GAO) while researching the Wage and Hour Division’s (WHD) investigation of wage and overtime cases. The statement, which is entitled “Wage and Hour Division’s Complaint Intake and Investigative Processes Leave Low Wage Workers Vulnerable to Wage Theft,” included the following conclusion after it conducted an investigation just a few years ago:
“The results of our undercover tests illustrate flaws in WHD’s responses to wage theft complaints, including delays in investigating complaints, complaints not recorded in the WHD database, failure to use all available enforcement tools because of a lack of resources, failure to follow up on employers who agreed to pay, and a poor complaint intake process.”
No doubt, the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor plays an integral part in investigating and enforcing minimum wage and overtime claims by workers. It is an effective resource for those who cannot reach an attorney and, with its penalties and investigative powers, is a powerful tool to remedy violations and to deter future violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). But, you don’t have to rely only on a government agency to recover your unpaid wages, overtime pay, or minimum wages. This 2009 report from the GAO shows just how important it is to hire an attorney – such as Brian H. Pollock at the FairLaw Firm – to vigorously pursue employers who don’t pay all of the wages earned. The Wage and Hour Division is limited in its resources and, as a government agency, is not necessarily as motivated as your lawyer who is working directly for you.
The FairLaw Firm represents employees so that they can recover the unpaid overtime pay, wages, and minimum wages they earned. The FairLaw Firm focuses its practice on these limited practice areas, with its office in Miami, its attorney Brian H. Pollock is available to discuss wage, hour, and overtime issues with both existing and potential clients.
The initial consultation is always free for all new clients and matters. Call (305) 400-4903 or (866) 281-9288 to contact the FairLaw Firm now.
