Atlanta Nightclub Employee Lawyer
Nightclubs and bars are popular entertainment venues in Atlanta, and many people work in the industry as bartenders, servers, barbacks, hosts, bouncers, parking lot attendants, and other staff members. Unfortunately, some employers in the nightclub industry may try to cut corners by not paying their employees properly. This can include failing to pay overtime, requiring impermissible tip sharing, misclassifying employees as independent contractors to avoid overtime pay, or requiring employees to work off the clock. When this happens, employees have the right to file a claim for unpaid wages under federal and state law. We will explore the relevant federal and state laws that protect employees’ rights to fair wages and provide guidance on how hiring an experienced attorney can help.
If you are an employee who has not been paid for the hours you have worked, you may be entitled to compensation for your unpaid wages. Our team of experienced Atlanta employment lawyers, at DeLong, Caldwell, Bridgers, Fitzpatrick, & Benjamin, is here to help. We will ensure you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Unpaid Wages Claims for Nightclub Employees
As a hospitality employee, you have the right to receive overtime pay for hours worked in excess of 40 in a workweek at a rate of at least one and one-half times your regular rate of pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Common deductions made from wages for items such as cash or merchandise shortages, walk-outs, breakage, employer-required uniforms, and tools of the trade are not legal if they reduce the wages of employees below the minimum rate required by the FLSA or reduce the amount of overtime pay due under the FLSA. Our firm has decades of experience in litigating these matters.
Federal Law
Nightclub and hospitality employees can ensure fair compensation by being aware of their rights. and the requirements of the law. The FLSA establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor standards affecting full-time and part-time workers in the private sector and in Federal, State, and local governments. Under the FLSA, most employees in the United States are entitled to a minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, with some exceptions for certain types of workers, such as tipped employees. The FLSA also requires employers to pay overtime at a rate of one and a half times the regular rate of pay for any hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Employers must keep accurate records of the hours worked by their employees. They must also provide pay stubs that show the number of hours worked and the amount paid.
If an employer violates the FLSA, employees can file a claim for unpaid wages with the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor or file a lawsuit in federal court. Employees may also be entitled to liquidated damages (which is an amount equal to the unpaid wages), attorneys’ fees, and court costs.
Georgia Law
Georgia also has its own wage and hour laws that provide additional protections for employees. The Georgia Minimum Wage Law sets the state minimum wage at $5.15 per hour. Most employees in Georgia are covered by the FLSA and entitled to the federal minimum wage. Georgia law also requires employers to pay overtime at a rate of one and a half times the regular rate of pay for any hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
If an employer violates Georgia’s wage and hour laws, employees can file a claim for unpaid wages with the Georgia Department of Labor or file a lawsuit in state court. Additionally, employees may be entitled to liquidated damages, penalties, attorneys’ fees, and court costs.
How We Can Help
If you believe that your employer has not paid you properly, it is important to speak with an experienced Atlanta employment lawyer. Our team of attorneys can help you understand your rights and determine whether you have a claim for unpaid wages. We can also help you file a claim with the appropriate agency or file a lawsuit in court. We will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your hard work.
Contact Us Today
Are you an employee in the nightclub industry? Do you believe that you’ve not been paid properly? If so, contact our team today. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and determine the best course of action. At DeLong, Caldwell, Bridgers, Fitzpatrick, & Benjamin, we are committed to fighting for employees’ rights. Our team will work tirelessly to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Visit our website or call (470) 443-0524 for more information about how we can assist with your employment claim!