The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to pay eligible employees one and a half times their regular rate of pay for every hour worked beyond 40 in a workweek. Despite this clear legal obligation, wage theft through unpaid overtime is one of the most pervasive labor violations affecting workers throughout South Texas.

Anderson Alexander PLLC represents workers in FLSA overtime and wage and hour claims throughout Corpus Christi, Laredo, McAllen, and South Texas. If you are not being paid what the law requires, you may be entitled to recover your unpaid wages, an equal amount in liquidated damages, and attorney's fees.

Common FLSA Overtime Violations in Texas

Employers violate the FLSA in a variety of ways. Off-the-clock work — requiring employees to perform work tasks before clocking in or after clocking out — is one of the most common violations. Automatic meal break deductions are another frequent problem, particularly when employees are not fully relieved of duties during breaks. Employers who misclassify workers as salaried exempt or independent contractors to avoid paying overtime also violate the FLSA.

In South Texas, industries like oil and gas, healthcare, retail, and hospitality often have high rates of FLSA violations. Workers in these sectors frequently work long hours and may not realize their employer is required to pay overtime. Our attorneys evaluate your pay records to determine whether you have a claim.

What You Can Recover in an FLSA Claim

If your employer violated the FLSA, you are entitled to recover all unpaid wages owed to you. In most cases, you can also recover an equal amount in liquidated damages — effectively doubling your recovery. If your employer's violation was willful, the statute of limitations extends to three years (versus two years for non-willful violations). The FLSA also requires employers to pay your reasonable attorney's fees if you win, which means you can pursue your claim with no out-of-pocket cost.

The FLSA also prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who assert their overtime rights. If you were fired, demoted, or threatened after complaining about unpaid overtime, you may have an additional retaliation claim.

Talk to a South Texas Wage and Hour Attorney

Unpaid overtime is a serious violation of your rights as a worker. Do not let your employer keep money that rightfully belongs to you. The employment law attorneys at Anderson Alexander PLLC handle FLSA collective action claims for groups of workers throughout South Texas who have been denied proper overtime pay.

Call Anderson Alexander PLLC for a free consultation at (361) 452-1279. Our office is at 101 N Shoreline Blvd Suite 420, Corpus Christi, TX 78401. No fee unless we win. Learn more about our wage and hour practice and employment law services.