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Wage Theft in real estate — denied overtime for 6 months

Started by worried_freelancer_OH · Sep 17, 2024 · 2,241 views · 14 replies
For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
WF
worried_freelancer_OH OP

Looking for advice on a legal issue. Here's what happened.

denied overtime for 6 months. I've been dealing with this for about 8 weeks now and the situation isn't improving.

I have worked at this company for 1 years. My position is non-exempt and I do not have a written employment agreement beyond the standard offer letter.

Do I have a strong case? What should my next steps be?

SA
seeking_advice_trader_2025

Following this thread — I'm in a very similar situation. Would love to hear how it turns out.

IG
InsuranceGuy_FL

Been there. Here's what I learned.

I ended up filing with the appropriate government agency, which cost about $4-8 but saved me a lot more in the long run.

PB
PatentAgent_Boston

Been there. Here's what I learned.

What worked for me was escalating to a supervisor/manager. It took 1-3 months but was worth it.

SB
SmallBizOwner_NYC

I went through almost the exact same thing.

What worked for me was filing with the appropriate government agency. It took 4-8 months but was worth it.

TL
Mod_TermsLaw Moderator

I practice in this area. Here's my take on the legal issues.

This is a common situation and the law is fairly clear. Under the FMLA, qualifying and covered.

The practical consideration here is cost vs. potential recovery. For disputes under $10K, small claims court is often the best route.

JC
just_curious_employee_2026

Just want to point out — the statute of limitations might be a factor here. In some states it's as short as 1-2 years. Don't sit on this too long.

FB
frustrated_business_owner_today

I work in this industry and unfortunately this is very common. The good news is that when people actually push back with legal representation, companies usually settle.

FK
FreelancerKate

I've seen this play out several times in my field.

The biggest mistake people make in this situation is filing with the appropriate government agency. I'd recommend gathering evidence first instead.

TA
TenantRights_Advocate

I've seen this play out several times in my field.

What worked for me was having everything documented. It took 3-6 months but was worth it.

SB
SmallBizOwner_NYC

I went through almost the exact same thing.

The biggest mistake people make in this situation is filing with the appropriate government agency. I'd recommend gathering evidence first instead.

GL
GigWorker_LA

Been there. Here's what I learned.

I ended up hiring an attorney to send the initial letter, which cost about $2-4 but saved me a lot more in the long run.

NH
need_help_seller_TX

I work in this industry and unfortunately this is very common. The good news is that when people actually push back with legal representation, companies usually settle.

RM
RestaurantOwner_Miami

Been there. Here's what I learned.

I ended up hiring an attorney to send the initial letter, which cost about $2-4 but saved me a lot more in the long run.

OD
OpenSourceLawyer_Dan

Not a lawyer, but I have direct experience with this.

I ended up escalating to a supervisor/manager, which cost about $1-3 but saved me a lot more in the long run.

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