Millions of Americans work long hours to support their families, pay mortgages and cover rising living expenses. For many Albanian immigrants in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and other states, overtime work is a regular part of earning a living.
But there is an important detail that some workers may not realize: working more than 40 hours in a workweek can entitle certain employees to additional pay under federal law.
If an employer fails to calculate overtime correctly, eligible employees may be owed unpaid wages.
Understanding how overtime works can help workers recognize potential payroll errors and protect money they have earned.
1. What Is the Federal Overtime Rule?
Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), covered, nonexempt employees generally must receive overtime pay of at least one and one-half times their regular rate of pay for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek.
For example, an eligible employee earning $20 per hour would generally receive at least $30 per overtime hour, assuming the regular rate is $20.
Not every worker qualifies for ov