Some employers willingly violate the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) or the Colorado Wage Claim Act in order to take advantage of their employees. The tactics of these unscrupulous employers vary, from misclassifying employees as exempt to just plain refusing to pay overtime or earned wages. The bottom line is that these employers cheat employees out of the money they’re owed and they do it because they believe they can get away with it. So even though employers are required to follow applicable federal and state employment laws, some of them don’t because they hope that they won’t get caught. If you have grounds to make a claim for wages under the FLSA or the Colorado Wage Act, then by making a claim you can help ensure that Colorado-based employers will be held accountable when they attempt to avoid complying with labor and employment laws. It takes courage and commitment to make a claim.
Unpaid Overtime
Non-exempt employees must usually be paid overtime in an amount equal to one and a half times their base hourly rate for any hours worked over 40 in a week. There are a few exceptions to this rule. Under the FLSA, if an employer refuses to pay overtime they can be sued for unpaid compensation and penalties. Moreover, under the FLSA it is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee for invoking their legal rights. The Colorado Wage Claim Act offers similar protections for Colorado-based employees.
Typically if an employee makes a claim for unpaid overtime, the employer will argue that the job was exempt and therefore, ineligible for overtime compensation. This is a common defense tactic due to the wide array of exempt jobs, including executives, certain managers, professionals, outside sales, etc. The Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division (dol.gov.whd) website offers good information on common exemptions.
Earned Wages for Former Employees
If the employer fails or refuses to give you your final paycheck for wages earned upon termination. Under the Colorado Wage Act, an employer must pay an employee all wages earned at the time of termination (or resignation). Additionally, final wages must be paid in a timely manner. An employee’s earned wages are due and payable at the time of discharge unless the employer’s accounting unit is not operational and unable to issue the employee’s paycheck at the time of discharge. However, the employer must pay the employee not later than six hours after the start of the employer’s accounting unit on the next scheduled workday. If an employer fails to comply with these obligations, then they can be held liable for unpaid wages and various additional penalties provided the employee first serves the employer a proper demand for unpaid wages.
Wrongful Termination
An at-will employment state, Colorado follows the legal doctrine that neither an employer nor employee, absent a contact, is required to give advance notice of resignation or termination. Additionally, neither an employer nor an employee is required to state a reason for employment separation. Regardless, there are certain exceptions to the at-will doctrine, such as illegal discrimination, retaliation, Family Medical Leave, and breach of contract. In other words, wrongful termination occurs when the employer violates the law by terminating an employee.
Discrimination
Termination due to discrimination, based on race, color, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, receipt of public assistance, or ancestry, is illegal. Both the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) and federal anti-discrimination laws bar employers from discriminating against employees. If there is proof of discrimination, an employer can be held liable. In most instances the employee needs proof that the employer intentionally took an adverse employment action based on discriminatory animus.
Harassment
Harassment is often experienced by specific protected classes of people. Protected classes include color, religion, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, gender, race, disability, or age. Obvious examples of illegal harassment include derogatory comments, expressions of prejudice, racial slurs, sexist comments, or verbal abuse.
The most common form of harassment is sexual harassment. This type of harassment consists of unwanted touching, unwanted exposure, unwelcome sexual advances, unwanted sexual discussion or conduct, and various other conduct of a sexual nature. Whether perpetrated or unacknowledged, sexual harassment is illegal under a variety of laws and an employer can be held liable for these behaviors.
Retaliation
It is illegal, under both CADA and federal anti-discrimination laws, for an employer to terminate an employee in retaliation for engaging in protected activity, such as participating in a discrimination or harassment investigation, whistle-blowing, or other protected activity. If an employer attempts to terminate an employee in retaliation they can be held liable under a variety of laws.
Breach of Contract
Some forms of employment begin with a contract. If a contract is signed at the beginning of employment it may include language that restricts at-will employment. If a contract states that an employer must employ a worker for a certain amount of time, they may only be able to terminate the worker for cause. If there is proof of an oral or written contract, including pre-employment statements, an employer may be liable for any termination made without a valid reason.
Employee Handbook/Policies
An employer may have a handbook or manual that contains specific language defining how an employee can be terminated. Legally binding, an employee handbook or manual often lists a disciplinary procedure that must be followed before termination. Thoroughly reviewing an employer’s handbook or manual may prove wrongful termination.
Maternity or Family Medical Leave
Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), a qualifying employee is entitled to 12 weeks of job-protected leave. Whether birth, adoption, or foster care, FMLA exists to protect and reinforce the importance of spending time with a new child. To qualify for leave under FMLA, an employee must have worked for their employer for more than 12 months, for at least 1,250 hours during the previous 12 months prior to leaving, and their employer must have at least 50 employees.
Additionally, an employee who invokes the FMLA is entitled to the position, or a similar position, they held before taking the leave. FMLA protects employees against discrimination or retaliation for invoking their rights under the law. An employer cannot use an FMLA-qualified leave as a negative factor or cause for any employment determinations, termination, or layoff.
Colorado and federal law protect employees from unlawful actions. Various federal and state laws explicitly prohibit certain employer behaviors. If you believe your employer has violated your rights, contact us today for a case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wage & Hour Law, and how does it apply in Denver?
Wage & Hour Law encompasses regulations governing wages, hours worked, and overtime pay. In Denver, these laws apply to both state and federally regulated employers. They dictate minimum wage rates, requirements for overtime pay, and regulations regarding breaks and meal periods. Understanding these laws is crucial for both employers and employees to ensure fair treatment and compliance with legal standards.
What are the minimum wage requirements in Denver?
As of January 2024, the minimum wage in Denver is $15.87 per hour, which is higher than both the state and federal minimum wage. However, certain exemptions and exceptions may apply depending on factors such as the size of the employer, the type of work performed, and whether the employee receives tips. It’s essential for both employers and employees to be aware of these minimum wage requirements to ensure compliance with the law.
Am I entitled to overtime pay in Denver?
In Denver, employees are generally entitled to overtime pay if they work more than 40 hours in a workweek. Overtime pay must be at least one and a half times the employee’s regular rate of pay. However, certain exemptions apply to specific categories of employees, such as salaried employees, certain professionals, and administrative personnel. It’s important for employers and employees alike to understand these exemptions and ensure compliance with overtime pay regulations.
