Every time a crisis occurs, we are concerned about two things. The safety and health of the people are our top concerns. People have this on their minds whether they are trying to save people who are waiting on rooftops after a cyclone or trying to slow down a deadly virus.
However, the second problem is even more difficult to resolve. It involves the consequences of the crisis from a financial standpoint. The impact of a calamity or epidemic is almost always economic in nature. The financial burden of unemployment or working long, hard hours in a stressful environment is usually felt by employees.
It’s unfortunate that so many employers try to defraud their workers. Some employers refuse to pay overtime even if their employees work 60 hours or more per week. It is always illegal to do this even during an epidemic. If an employer has treated employees unfairly, he or she may need a COVID-19 litigation lawyer in Los Angeles to protect their rights.
Unpaid Wages Lawsuits During COVID-19
During pandemics, corporations and individuals suffer massive financial losses. However, the global economy is experiencing times unlike any other. Some companies use this as an excuse not to pay their workers or independent contractors.
During COVID-19, Overtime Claims Have Been Filed
In addition to the high unemployment rate, many Americans are now working longer hours than in the past. Several industries are experiencing higher demand, and workers in “important” companies work long hours. Cleaning staff, supply chain workers, and medical facilities are examples of workplaces where workers work more than 40 hours a week. Also, crematoria workers are experiencing increased hours during this terrifying time.
Additionally, consumer demand isn’t the only factor. To reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, companies have lowered the number of individuals on-site at any one time. This has resulted in employees working longer and more challenging shifts.
The fact that employees have to work longer hours during a pandemic is difficult, but they look forward to extra compensation. An increase in a monthly income of hundreds of dollars is a welcome relief from the stress of these uncertain times.
Sadly, employers don’t always pay their employees the overtime wages that they should be receiving. It has long been a practice for employers to avoid paying overtime to their employees.
Employers may employ these techniques through the classification of non-exempt employees as exempt or by prohibiting paid overtime while still requiring them to work over 40 hours per week. There have also been instances in the past where employers paid straight time for overtime hours. Even though this occurs on a regular basis, it is more prevalent during crisis situations.
It is, fortunately, possible for people to sue. Overtime lawsuits arising from crisis situations are quite common in the United States. Workers who were denied overtime were sued by the Wage and Hour Division of the United States Department of Labor after Universal Project Management Inc. and Fluor Enterprises Inc. refused to pay them. An unpaid overtime judgment of $1 million was awarded to the victims.
Even in the face of a crisis, suits like this one demonstrate the rule of law. Many attorneys work on contingency, which means that they do not get paid until they win the case, and the client does not have to pay them anything upfront. Employees who are refused overtime can file a lawsuit, and many attorneys work on a contingency basis.
How Can a Lawyer Help?
The law still applies, even when employers believe that a crisis is an excuse to act badly, or when others believe they have no choice. Seek legal counsel if you believe that your employer is unfairly treating you. As a matter of law, you are entitled to reimbursement for your time. Siman Law Firm in Los Angeles can help you if you have any valid COVID-19 Lawsuit against your workplace or employer.