Employment Law
Understanding and Reducing Overtime in Construction Part 1
The United States Department of Labor (DOL) has been cracking down on back wages and overtime violations. In some cases, contractors are being forced to pay workers back tens of thousands of dollars in owed wages. With the consequences of noncompliance and worker misclassification so high, it’s not enough to know and comply with the overtime laws of your state. You must also do your best to reduce the need for overtime on the construction site. Doing so will save your construction firm money, reduce the risk for injury, and ensure that no overtime laws are unintentionally broken.
In this two-part article, a Little Rock construction attorney at Cotney Construction Law will be discussing common overtime laws and the steps a construction firm can take to reduce the need for overtime on the jobsite. For any questions regarding overtime laws in your state or DOL compliance, please consult with a Little Rock construction lawyer.
Overtime Laws in Arkansas
In the State of Arkansas, overtime pay must be applied for hours worked over a standard 40-hour workweek. Overtime pay is equal to or more than one and one-half times a worker’s normal rate of pay. This is standard for most states and is in line with federal laws. If an employee works more than eight hours in a workday and is of the legal age to work, Arkansas law does not require overtime pay as long as the total hours worked that week do not exceed 40 hours. Because minimum wage in Arkansas is $9.25 an hour, the minimum for overtime pay is $13.88 an hour.
While certain types of workers are exempt from overtime pay, construction workers generally qualify for overtime pay and are protected under overtime law. Construction firms must pay their workers and keep proper track of their hours. Failure to do so could result in a lawsuit from an employee or an investigation from the DOL’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD). Partner with a Little Rock construction attorney to ensure that you are always compliant with overtime pay laws. Even unintentional mistakes regarding wages can lead to costly consequences.
To learn more about how you can reduce the need for overtime on your construction sites, read part two.
If you would like to speak with a Little Rock construction lawyer, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.