You work in construction, which means that it’s important for you to understand the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act, or CWHSSA. This is a basic act that requires all subcontractors and contractors to pay their mechanics and laborers, guards and watchmen one-half times their base pay for any hours worked over 40 in one workweek.
This is important because investing over 40 hours of your time into a company’s work should come with that extra pay. The CWHSSA applies to federal construction and service contracts that are over $150,000. It may also apply to federally assisted construction contracts if they are valued at over $100,000.
What do you need to do if you worked over 40 hours in a workweek and were not paid the overtime wages required by law?
If you worked overtime for your employer and aren’t paid overtime, then it is important for you to get in touch with your employer first. There may be a miscommunication that has led to lower pay or a miscalculation of how many hours you worked in one week.
If that doesn’t resolve your issues, you can reach out to the Wage and Hour Division, which accepts complaints about alleged wage violations under the CWHSSA.
What happens if a contractor or subcontractor intentionally violates this act?
If the act is intentionally violated, then the contractors and subcontractors could be held liable for the missing wages. Additionally, they may be subject to fines and imprisonment, which is why most contractors and subcontractors pay in accordance with the current laws and regulations.
For more information about your rights as an employee or help pursuing a claim regarding your wages, contact an attorney today.