Austin Overtime Attorney Gregory D. Jordan Comments on Increase in Overtime Lawsuits

Austin, TX (Law Firm Newswire) January 28, 2012 – During the recent recession, those not laid off from work were often required to put in more time on the job, for the same pay or even less.

Many of those workers are now taking legal action, suing their employers under state and federal wage and overtime laws. Filings of such lawsuits were up 32 percent in 2011 over 2008 levels.

“Overtime laws exist to protect workers from being unfairly taken advantage of,” commented Austin overtime attorney Gregory D. Jordan. “Some employers believe they can get away with bending or breaking these laws. Anyone who thinks they may not have received proper compensation for their work should contact an experienced overtime attorney.”

Workers suing their employers often claim that they were not compensated properly for overtime work, including: work they were forced to do off the clock; work done in positions improperly classified as being exempt from overtime laws; and work that intruded on personal time, such as communicating by email after hours or while on vacation.

Part of the conflict arises because new technologies, such as smart phones, have changed the modern workplace. Employees are often connected to the workplace through phones and email, even when they should be off the clock or on vacation. Some employers claim overtime laws have not kept pace with the changing times.

In response to the wave of overtime lawsuits, certain employers are taking action, removing privileges like company-issued smart phones and drawing clearer lines between managers and employees.

The increase in overtime lawsuits is partly based on work demands via new technology and partly on traditional overtime issues. There have been numerous class-action overtime lawsuits based on work employees have been required to do while at home or at family gatherings. Other class-action complaints involve allegations that workers have been required to perform labor such as logging into computers and opening databases before checking in.

The Law Offices of Gregory D. Jordan has handled many business and employment disputes involving non-compete agreements, unfair competition, confidentiality agreements and breaches of contract. To learn more visit, http://www.theaustintriallawyer.com.

Law Offices of Gregory D. Jordan
5608 Parkcrest Drive, Suite 310
Austin, Texas 78731
Call: 512-419-0684

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