Charleston, WV Wage and Hour Attorneys

Ensuring Correct Pay for Employees in Morgantown, Clarksburg and Parkersburg

Everyone deserves to be paid in a fair and timely manner. Unfortunately, many workers throughout West Virginia struggle to obtain the compensation they are owed.  Employers tend to have more resources than individual employees, which can make it difficult for workers to prevail in wage, hour, and collection disputes. Our experienced Charleston wage and hour lawyers are here to even the playing field. Our team at Bailess Law Firm is prepared to handle many types of wage-related conflicts, including issues involving the Equal Pay Act, unpaid overtime, and independent contractor misclassification. We handle each case with the utmost integrity, honesty, and diligence, and our skilled litigators are ready to fiercely protect your interests in and out of the courtroom.

If you believe your employer is not paying you fairly under the law, we can help you understand your rights and legal options. Schedule a free initial consultation with a wage & hour lawyer in Charleston, WV at Bailess Law Firm PLLC by contacting us online or calling (304) 841-0037.

What is The Equal Pay Act?

Historically, men have made considerably more than women, even when working the same jobs. The Equal Pay Act is a federal law designed to resolve this disparity and promote pay equity. Essentially, it requires employers to provide equal pay for equal work. The Equal Pay Act covers almost all employers, including West Virginia government agencies and most private employers in the state.

You may have a claim under the Equal Pay Act if:

• You and an employee of the opposite sex work in the same place. It is not an Equal Pay Act violation to pay someone more for the same work if they live in a location with a higher cost of living (or vice versa). 
• You and an employee of the opposite have essentially the same job responsibilities. Your jobs do not necessarily have to be wholly identical, and they do not have to share a title. The “similar work” must require an equal level of skill and effort and be performed under similar conditions. 
• You and an employee of the opposite sex receive unequal pay. Workers of opposite sexes who do essentially the same job in the same location must have an equal pay rate under the Equal Pay Act. This includes benefits, such as health insurance, paid time off, and bonus opportunities.

Keep in mind an employer may be within their rights to pay a person of the opposite sex at a higher rate if they have substantially more experience or seniority. Work also may not be considered “equal” under the law if one person takes on a few additional job responsibilities. 

If you are being unfairly compensated under the rules of the Equal Pay Act, you may be able to recover the difference in wages (plus interest) as well as liquidated damages. Our Charleston, WV wage and hour attorneys can analyze your circumstances and advise whether you have a claim.

What is Minimum Wage in West Virginia?

As of 2022, West Virginia’s minimum wage is set at $8.75 per hour. Note that this is higher than the current federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. The state’s minimum law applies to all employers with at least six employees.

In most circumstances, a West Virginia employer cannot compensate you at a pay rate below the state’s minimum wage, even if you are a “tipped employee.” While federal law permits employers to pay tipped employees a lower base rate of $2.62 per hour (as of 2022), they must pay the difference if an employee’s tips do not collectively cover at least the state’s minimum wage for all hours worked. 

If your employer is violating the state’s minimum wage laws, you are likely entitled to compensation. Our team at Bailess Law Firm can help you explore and pursue your legal options. Speak with one of our skilled Charleston, WV wage & hour attorneys as soon as possible.

Overtime Rules in West Virginia

Eligible employees in West Virginia start earning overtime overcompensation when they have worked more than 40 hours in a single workweek. An employee’s overtime rate is 1.5 times their normal rate of pay for each applicable hour. If you usually make $30 per hour, for example, your overtime rate would be $45 per hour.

State overtime laws apply to West Virginia employers who have at least six non-exempt employees. However, some employers will mislead employees and claim they do not qualify for overtime. Under federal law, you are eligible for overtime if you make less than $684 per week or $35,568 per year, no matter what your employer says. 

What Does it Mean if I'm Classified as “Exempt”?

Your employer may also attempt to classify you as “exempt,” which precludes you from receiving overtime pay regardless of the number of hours worked. Only workers who meet certain criteria can be considered “exempt” under the law.

You may be exempt from receiving overtime in West Virginia if you are:

• An executive, or
• An administrator, or
• A specialized or creative professional, or
• A skilled employee who primarily works with computer software or hardware, or
• A salesperson who does not operate on your employer’s premises, or
• An independent contractor, or
• Highly compensated

It can sometimes be difficult to determine whether you have been appropriately classified. We can review your job responsibilities and advise whether you are eligible for overtime. If you have been misclassified or otherwise not paid overtime wages, our capable legal professionals can help you file a claim. 

Meal and Rest Break Rules in West Virginia

West Virginia employees have the right to take one paid, 20-minute rest break for every six consecutive hours worked. Employers may be exempt from this requirement if they allow employees to take breaks when they please or if workers are allowed to eat lunch while working. 

Payment Rules in West Virginia

The West Virginia Wage Payment & Collection Act requires public and private employers to pay employees at least twice a month with no more than 19 days between paychecks. Each paycheck must compensate employees for all wages earned – including overtime wages – up to and including the twelfth day preceding payday. So long as an employer meets these requirements, they can set their own payment schedule, which must be consistently and uniformly enforced. 

If your West Virginia employer routinely fails to pay you the proper amount on time, you may be able to recover two times the total amount of unpaid wages owed. We can help you file a complaint and dutifully represent you throughout a payment dispute.