The employment laws in Akron, and throughout the rest of Ohio, are intended to protect both employers and employees. While the Ohio Statutes are very clear about certain employment issues, there are also instances in which state law does not outline clear regulations. When this is the case, employers must comply with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Regardless of the law that is in place for a specific issue, employers are expected to comply with them and ensure their employees are being treated fairly. When they fail to do so, employees should speak to an Akron employment law attorney that can help them make things right.
Ohio does outline its own minimum wage every year. Each year, the minimum wage in Ohio is updated to reflect the increased cost of living. Ohio’s minimum wage is generally higher than the federal wage. All employers in the state must pay their employees at least the minimum wage. When deductions are made from a paycheck, they are typically legal as long as it does not result in an employee being paid less than minimum wage.
Overtime laws in Ohio mirror the federal law outlined in the FLSA. Any time an employee works more than 40 hours in one workweek, they are entitled to overtime pay. That pay must equal one-and-a-half times their regular wage for every hour worked over 40 hours in one week. Certain employees, such as high-salaried executives, are exempt from this law. However, most employees are protected by it and should expect proper wages when they work overtime.
Ohio law only requires that employers provide rest and meal breaks when an employee under the age of 18 works more than five hours. Employers can still allow rest and meal breaks for other workers, and many do, recognizing that employees are more productive when they are not hungry or tired. When a rest or meal break is under 20 minutes, employees must be paid for those breaks. Employers can provide unpaid rest and meal breaks when a break is 30 minutes or more. However, breaks of this length must be uninterrupted and employees cannot be asked to perform work during that time.
Many employees believe their employer must provide them with paid vacation pay or paid sick leave. Neither of these are true. While certain laws, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act, do provide certain employees with unpaid medical leave, not every employee is eligible for this leave. Employers must allow all employees to take leave for jury duty or to vote in an election, but this leave can be unpaid.
State and federal employment laws are extremely complex. At Coffman Legal, LLC, our Akron employment lawyers can explain these laws and how they apply to your case. When an employer has violated your rights, we also have the experience to hold them accountable and will help you make things right. Call us today at (614) 949-1181 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our skilled attorneys.