If you’ve been working long hours but not receiving the overtime pay you’re legally owed, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options. In Atlantic County, workers are protected by both state and federal laws that guarantee proper compensation for overtime. If your employer has failed to pay time-and-a-half for hours worked over 40 in a week, you may be entitled to recover those lost wages and more.
What Counts as Overtime?
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the New Jersey Wage and Hour Law, non-exempt employees must be paid 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for every hour worked over 40 in a single workweek.
Common Unpaid Overtime Violations
- Failing to pay for pre-shift or post-shift work
- Misclassifying employees as exempt when they’re not
- Paying straight time for overtime hours
- Forcing employees to work “off the clock”
- Auto-deducting lunch breaks that were never taken
Are You Owed Overtime?
If any of the following apply to you, you may have an unpaid overtime claim:
- You regularly work more than 40 hours per week
- You’re paid hourly or have a non-exempt salary
- You perform work-related tasks before clocking in or after clocking out
- Your employer has asked you to “volunteer” extra time
New Jersey Law Offers Extra Protection
Unlike federal law, New Jersey allows workers to claim up to six years of back pay for unpaid overtime. You may also be eligible for liquidated damages, which double the amount of wages owed, along with attorney’s fees and costs.
What to Do If You’re Not Being Paid Fairly
- Track your hours: Keep detailed records of your time worked, breaks, and duties.
- Review your paystubs: Look for inconsistencies or missing overtime entries.
- Speak with an employment attorney: A legal professional can analyze your case and help you pursue the wages you’re owed.
What You May Be Entitled To
- Unpaid overtime wages
- Liquidated damages (double your back pay)
- Interest and legal fees
- Job reinstatement or additional damages if retaliation occurred
How Castronovo & McKinney Can Help
Castronovo & McKinney, Employment Law Attorneys represent workers in Atlantic County who are victims of wage theft and unpaid overtime. Their team has recovered millions for employees and understands how to hold employers accountable through detailed investigation and aggressive legal action.
Contact Castronovo & McKinney, LLC Today
If you suspect your employer isn’t paying you fairly for your time, don’t wait. Contact Castronovo & McKinney today for a confidential consultation. They’ll help you take the first step toward getting the compensation you’ve earned.
New Jersey Office
71 Maple Ave
Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: 973.920.7888
Fax: 973.920.7924
New York Office
420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1830
New York, NY 10170
Phone: 646.755.3781
Fax: 646.755.3781