8 Common Workplace Violations
- Home / Phoenix Workers’ Compensation Lawyers /
- 8 Common Workplace Violations
Employment laws can vary from state to state, but knowing what your legal rights are in the workplace can help you determine if your employer is violating the Fair Labor Standards Act.
From overtime to vacation pay to bonuses, employers are known for violating certain employment laws. Here are eight of the most common workplace violations.
Unpaid Vacation Time
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) states that if an employer does provide vacation time, the time accrued should be part of the compensation you receive. If you were fired or quit, youre entitled to the vacation time you accrued, per company policy.
“Use it or Lose” it Vacation Time
Use it or lose it vacation policies are illegal in some states, including California. In 2013, a California court declared one company’s policy illegal and claimed that the policy violated the California Labor Code.
Failing to Pay Commission or Bonuses
Although commission and bonuses are not regulated by the FLSA, if you and your employer came to an agreement about such compensation, you are entitled to receive the commission or bonus promised depending on your states laws.
Unpaid or Improperly Calculated Overtime
Under the FLSA, overtime pay rules are based on a standard 40-hour work week. Employees who work over 40 hours must be paid at a rate of one and one-half times their regular hourly rate. Make sure you are keeping track of the hours you have worked and that your employer is following the federal overtime guidelines.
False Reporting
When non-exempt employees work overtime, some employers will look the other way or will not allow the hours to be reported. If an employer does not allow you to report overtime or fails to pay you for these hours, their actions do not comply with the FLSA.
Violating Federal Minimum Wage Standards
As of July 2009, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. Some exceptions, however, include student workers and disabled workers who may be paid at a lower rate. Young workers may also be paid less during their first 90 days of employment. Additionally, workers who receive tips on the job may be paid a minimum rate of $2.13 per hour.
Offering Comp Time Instead of Overtime Pay
In some cases, an employer may opt to provide an employee with comp time instead of overtime pay. Comp time is basically paid time off; however, employers are the ones benefiting from this because if they paid you overtime then they would be required to pay you time and a half.
If you suspect that your employer is violating the Fair Labor Standards Act, the employment law attorneys at Phillips Law Group can help you. Contact us today by filling out the Free Case Review form on this page.
Free Case Evaluation
By submitting your contact information, you agree that we may contact you by telephone (including text) and email in accordance with our Terms and Privacy Policy

Your message has been sent
Thank you for your message, we will get back to you soon.
-
Great company and awesome service. Thanks Caroline fabos. Kudos to all.
-
I was recently served court documents that I was being sued from an accident that happened years ago. For someone who has never been through something like this and not familiar with the court lingo or where to even begin, it was very frustrating and stressful. I reached out to a family member who knew Tracy Laskos and the great reputation of Phillips Law Group and within the hours of the initial call for help, I had a direct number to Lead Attorney Nassar. Nassar heard my case and almost instantly put me at ease by explaining the process and how easy it was to handle. Nassar spoke to me like he was a friend, not like I was a client. I am so grateful to Tracy, Nasar and of course my cousin Stephanie for helping out and giving me the direction that I needed to get through this situation. I plan on referring my friends, family and patients that are in need of a personal injury Attorney to Phillips Law Group. Thank you!!
-
I enjoy my work day here at Phillips Law Group and generally speaking I love my clients. Every day brings a new client or task to keep me on my toes. Administration keeps open communication and is hilarious most of the time! I love the way we celebrate FRIDAY, holidays and birthdays and how everything is so competitive. All in all I’m so fortunate to be here and I enjoy what I do.
-
I’ve been working at Phillips Law Group for nearly four years and I can confidently say this is the best personal injury firm in Arizona to work for. The firm is the best for numerous reasons but to start, Phillips Law Group gives employees opportunities for promotions and growth. I started working within the settlement department, moved to a paralegal assistant and grew to be a pre-litigation paralegal with my own case load. Each attorney I have worked for is extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and easy to talk to. Secondly, I love how Phillips Law shows appreciation for employees. They host Friday Zoom Huddles giving out PTO, goodie bags, special shout outs, bonuses and gift cards. They also host extravagant holiday parties and fun contests during the Holidays! Lastly, the firm cares about giving back to the community, which is a trait I value as well. It’s rewarding to see a fast paced firm taking time out of their busy day to pay it forward. I would highly recommend working at Phillips Law Group!
-
I have been with Phillips Law Group for a little over a year and I have learned what teamwork and family in a workplace looks like. There is always someone around to lend a helping hand, which is something I appreciate and cherish. I feel a sense of joy coming to work every day because of my co-workers as well as being able to help people in what can be a scary and stressful situation. I currently work as a Litigation Legal Assistant with an amazing team. When I started here, I was not very knowledgeable in personal injury. I was lucky to have been placed with an amazing team who was willing to take time to teach and pass on some great skills that have been a huge aid in helping me be successful in my position. I would recommend working here at Phillips Law Group, because they care about their employees and there is so much room for growth.
-
Thank you Phillips Law Group for all the support and back to school assistance we appreciate it.
-
Liz was great
-
Many companies talk about teamwork but few practice it. Many companies talk about an employee friendly environment but few actually provide it. At Phillips Law Group the foundation of our success is making sure we work as a team and that we work in an environment that allows everyone to thrive and be at their best every day. Our firm understands that in order for the client to have a great experience the people responsible for that client’s case must be given all the necessary tools and encouragement to make that happen. That’s the Phillips Way. As a manager of this firm in charge of several employees as well as directly affecting the client’s experience I take tremendous pride in saying we live by these premises and we work hard to build on them and make them better every day. This is an amazing place because it has amazing people working here!
-
I tried a few previous law firms and none would take my car accident case with confidence they could get my anything. Phillips law group took my case and although it took around 4 years to get this case settled as I was in treatment, they never let up with insurance adjusters and they got me as much money as possible. They worked hard for me and advocated for me. Shoutout to key individuals who worked my case nonstop of the years, Robert Ross & Jasmine, you are AMAZING!
-
Phillips law group is a great firm! Caroline is great.