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Workers Compensation Attorneys
in Houston, Texas
Kennedy Hodges - In the News
Good news! If you work more than 40 hours per week and make less than $455 per week ($23,660 per year), then you might have gained new rights to overtime pay. A new law took effect on August 23, 2004 expanding overtime rights to more workers. Under the old law, employers used to avoid paying overtime by labeling their employees as entry level managers and paying them at least $250 per week. That low threshold had not changed for decades.
Now the law requires employers to pay overtime to these employees even if they make $450 per week. This change in the law is predicted to make about 1.3 million workers eligible for overtime pay who did not receive such pay under the old law. The basic law requires employers to pay their employees time and one-half the regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
Of course, blue-collar workers who used to be entitled to overtime are still entitled to such pay. The following occupations are still entitled to overtime: production, maintenance, construction and similar occupations such as carpenters, electricians, mechanics, plumbers, iron workers, craftsmen, operating engineers and longshoremen.
The new law is particularly important for assistant managers at fast food restaurants and retail clothing stores because they are now likely entitled to overtime pay.
The exact method of calculating your lost wage claim can be complicated. Moreover, there are exceptions to the general rules.
The law allows you to make a claim for back overtime pay for a period of two years before the date that you file a claim. Therefore, it is important that you consult with a workers compensation attorney as soon as possible. With each passing day you lose the right to pursue one more day of overtime pay that you earned under the law.
Many people do not realize they are entitled to overtime. Contact Kennedy Hodges so we can help you understand your rights under the new law.
PRESS RELEASES:
David W. Hodges and Galvin B. Kennedy are now members of The Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Kennedy Hodges, L.L.P.
3701 Kirby Drive, Suite 400
Houston, TX 77098
713-523-0001 (phone)
713-523-1116 (fax)
877-342-2020 (toll free)
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