WASHINGTON D.C — Many companies and businesses require employees to perform a certain number of community service hours during the year. This community help work can be at company sponsored events or other charitable gatherings. Many employers do not pay overtime for these extra hours, which may be a violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
The FLSA allows volunteer hours provided the work performed by community service worker does not displace or replace work that is regularly subject to being for by an employer. The key word is whether the activity is part of being “engaged in commerce.” Typically, a for profit company will be scrutinized more for FLSA volunteer violations than a nonprofit. But the nonprofit can also violate the FLSA.
There are numerous factors that determine whether the community service hours should be subject to payment under the FLSA. Additionally, some states may have their own overtime pay laws that may be slightly different from the FLSA with respect to overtime pay for volunteer time. An experienced overtime pay attorney can determine whether you are entitled to overtime wages for charity work based upon your job description, job duties, rate of pay, and number of hours worked. There are strict time deadlines for filing lawsuits so it is essential that you contact an attorney immediately.
To determine whether you are eligible for filing a wage claim for community service work performed as required by your employer, contact our experienced Overtime Pay Lawyers at (855) 754-2795 for a Free Consultation to discuss your case or complete the Free Unpaid Overtime Case Review Form on this page. We will discuss your situation and determine if you have a claim. If you are owed unpaid wages, we will represent you under our No Fee Promise, which means there are never any legal fees or costs unless you receive a settlement.