LOUISVILLE — A Kentucky lawmaker recently introduced a bill that would drastically alter many of the labor and wage protections that buttress similar federal laws and help low income workers provide for themselves and their families. The proposed legislation has strong support from the Kentucky and Louisville Chamber of Commerce, claiming the bill would merely bring state law in line with federal law, a claim that many labor advocates strongly refute.
Billed as providing a uniform set of labor laws employers would have to comply with, Kentucky Senate Bill 237 could essentially revert worker protections down to the minimal provisions provided in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Labor advocates champion the state’s robust labor laws as legislation that helps fill in many of the gaps left by federal lawmakers for the states to fill in themselves.
Currently, workers in the state can filed wage and labor claims with the Kentucky Labor Cabinet, a state agency whose purpose is to resolve these concerns swiftly and on a local level. While Senate Bill 237 would not do away with the Cabinet altogether, it would severely limit the scope of its enforcement and how much aid workers can count on.
Proposed Changes to Kentucky Labor and Wage Laws
If enacted, the law would make wholesale changes to the Kentucky’s labor and wage laws including limiting the size of a business aggrieved workers may sue for under state protections to those companies with over $500,000 in annual revenue. Additionally, employers could now withhold money from workers’ paychecks if there is even an “implicit” agreement to do so in cases of suspected theft or destruction of property.
Furthermore, the bill would expand categories of overtime exempt workers by 31 positions and even allow some employers to pay newly hired workers and seasonal employees less than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Other proposed changes to labor and wage laws include meal breaks, liability in civil suits, adoption leave, and tip pooling.
Overtime Pay Lawsuit
Call (855) 754-2795 or complete the Free Unpaid Overtime Case Review form on the top right of this page if you feel that your wage rights are being violated under the FLSA. Our top-rated team of unpaid wage lawyers will evaluate your situation to determine your best course of action to help you seek justice.
Our office will also determine if it is in your best interest to file a lawsuit against your employer. Because strict time limitations apply for filing these types of claims, we advise you contact our experienced unpaid overtime wage attorneys at your earliest convenience and preserve your legal rights.