MONTGOMERY, Ala. — If you are looking for information on the overtime pay laws in Alabama, this page should answer a number of your questions. The wage and hour laws can be complex and confusing so you should speak with an experienced overtime pay lawyer for answers to specific questions about your work situation. You may be entitled to file a lawsuit against your past or present employer for unpaid overtime wages dating back several years.
Alabama does not have specific overtime laws, but does have specific rules on other employment issues. Violations of these laws can give rise to an employment lawsuit, and include:
- Meals & Breaks: Employers are required to provide a 30 minute rest/meal break to employees’ ages 14-15 who work more than 5 continuous hours. Employers are not required to provide a break, or lunch time, to employees but if this type of break is allowed then it must be paid.
- Vacation Leave: Employers are not required to provide vacation leave, either paid or unpaid.
- Sick Leave: Employers are not required to provide employees with sick leave benefits, either paid or unpaid. However, it must comply with the terms of an established company policy or employment contract.
- Jury Duty: Employers are required to grant paid leave to employees who are summoned and participate in jury duty.
- Voting Leave: Employers are required to provide up to one hour of unpaid leave to vote in any election.
Many overtime lawsuits are filed under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which are federal laws governing certain labor and employment cases. There are certain occupations that are “covered” under the FLSA, which means that employers are required to pay those employees overtime wages. Other jobs are considered “exempt,” which means that the federal overtime pay laws do not apply to those employees.
If you are “covered” employee under the FLSA and were not paid overtime wages for working more than 40 hours a week, you may be eligible to file or join an existing overtime class action lawsuit or file your own individual case. Money compensation in these cases includes past unpaid wages, liquidated damages, attorney’s fees, litigation expenses, and other damages permitted by law.
Under the FLSA, the statute of limitations is two years (three years if the violations are willful) to file your case in court to avoid missing the deadline. Under Alabama’s wage and hour laws, a lawsuit to recover unpaid wages must be brought within two years. It is essential that you speak with an experienced lawyer to determine if you have a case and whether you qualify under the statute of limitations.
Call our top-rated overtime lawsuit attorneys now to start your case with a free, no obligation case review. We will discuss your case with you, explain your legal rights and determine whether or not you have a claim. We pay all costs and litigation expenses ourselves and do not charge any legal fees unless you receive a settlement. Call us now at (855) 754-2795 today!
Useful Alabama Overtime Resources
Official State of Alabama Website
United States Department of Labor
Cornell University School of Law