What can be done if a professional staff is getting paid well below the federal minimum wage?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
What can be done if a professional staff is getting paid well below the federal minimum wage?
The company we work for is registered in N. Y. state, with offices in N. Y. City. Many of us work virtually outside of the U.S., and others within the U.S. itself, yet we are getting far less than the stated national minimum wage of $9.70 per hour. Many of us too, are actually in what are considered high-income positions where our salaries should be 5-7 times greater and we would sincerely like to know what we can do to bring this to the right authority’s attention to stop this. We feel financially abused but also mentally by the antics and complete lack of education and qualifications that the owner himself displays. What are our options, and who can we involve to end this and get a fair salary?
Asked on May 8, 2017 under Employment Labor Law, Alaska
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
Workers employed within the geographic limits of the U.S. are entitled to be paid the minimum wage. However, those working outside of the U.S., even if for a U.S. company, are not covered by the minimum wage law. That is unless there exists an employment contract or other like agreement to the contrary.
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
Minimum wage law only applies within the U.S.: even if you work for a U.S.-based company, if you perform you work outside the country, minimum wage does not apply. Any workers who are located within the geographic borders of the U.S., however, must be paid at least minimum wage, and if not, could contact the Dept. of Labor to file a complaint.
There is NO right to paid what you consider a fair or appropriate wage, and your employer may take advantage of you So long as they comply with any applicable minimum wage law, the employer can otherwise pay you as little as it wants.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.