Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Wage and Hour Law in Providence, United States, is essentially concerned with the standards for pay (including minimum wage and overtime) and hours of work. These laws are set by both federal and state legislation. The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor standards. Rhode Island, where Providence is located, also has its own set of wage and hour regulations that can extend the protections covered by the FLSA.
You typically need a lawyer when you believe you've been deprived of your rightful wages or when you've been forced to work beyond permissible hours without compensation. This can include situations like not receiving overtime pay, getting paid less than minimum wage, misclassification as an independent contractor instead of an employee, or not receiving deserved breaks or meals.
In Providence, Rhode Island, the minimum wage (as of 2021) is $11.50 per hour. Employees who work more than 40 hours per week must be paid overtime at a rate of at least 1.5 times their regular pay rate. Rhode Island law also requires employers to provide a meal break of at least 20 minutes for employees who work six hours, and a 30-minute break for those who work for eight hours. It's crucial to understand these standards, as not all occupations and positions are covered by both state and federal laws.
The FLSA sets basic minimum wage and overtime pay standards and regulates the employment of minors. However, not all employers and employees are covered by the act.
As of 2021, the minimum wage in Providence, and Rhode Island as a whole, is $11.50 per hour.
Any work over 40 hours in a workweek must be compensated at a rate of one and a half times the regular rate of pay.
No, employees cannot waive their rights to the overtime premium under federal or Rhode Island law.
In Rhode Island, employers must provide employees a 20-minute meal break during a 6-hour shift, and a 30-minute meal break during an 8-hour shift.
If you need more information, the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training and the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division are crucial resources. You can also check the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) to find a lawyer specializing in employment law.
If you believe your wage and hour rights have been violated, the first step should be to seek legal advice. Reach out to an employment lawyer who can assist you in understanding your rights and possible legal action. It's also important to document any potential violations thoroughly, including keeping your pay stubs and timesheets as evidence.
