The holiday season usually means longer shifts for many workers. If, at the end of this upcoming season, you’ve stayed late, covered extra hours or worked weekends to support your family, you likely expect to receive every dollar you’ve earned.
Discovering that your overtime pay is missing can leave you frustrated, especially if you depended on that income. Indiana employees are protected by federal and state wage laws. While every case is unique, knowing your rights is the first step toward recovering unpaid wages.
How to confirm whether you should have received overtime
Most non-exempt employees must receive overtime pay at one and one-half times their regular rate for every hour worked over 40 in a workweek. Your employer cannot simply decide to skip overtime because business was busy or payroll costs increased.
Before raising the issue, gather information such as:
- Your timecards or clock-in records
- Work schedules showing your extra shifts
- Pay stubs from the affected pay periods
- Any emails or text messages approving overtime
These records make it easier to identify whether the missing wages resulted from a payroll mistake or a larger problem.
What next if my overtime is missing?
Start by bringing the issue to your supervisor or payroll department. In some cases, an administrative error can be corrected quickly. However, if your employer refuses to pay earned overtime or ignores your concerns, you may have additional legal options. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to pursue unpaid wages, recover additional damages or seek other remedies available under the law.
If you work overtime during the holidays but your paycheck does not reflect those hours, speaking with an employment law professional can help you understand your rights under Indiana and federal law. if you act fast, you may improve your ability to recover the wages you’ve earned.