Know Your Rights: What Rochester Employers Don’t Want You to Know 

Your employer may act like they hold all the power, but they’re playing by rules—and those rules protect you. You have legal rights that ensure you’re fairly paid, treated with respect, and compensated for every hour you work. Employers who bend or break these rules count on your silence. They hope you won’t question their tactics or realize how much protection the law offers. 

It’s time to flip the script. The Rochester employment lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, are here to make sure workers know their worth and fight back when those rights are violated. Let one of the best law firms in America guide you through the legal protections and reclaim what’s yours. 

Federal Protections: The Fair Labor Standards Act Has Your Back 

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is the foundation of workers’ rights in the United States. Passed in 1938, it was a game-changer for employees, establishing critical standards for fair pay and safe working conditions. Even today, the FLSA remains a powerful tool to protect workers from exploitation. 

Overtime Pay Is a Right, Not a Privilege 

If you work more than 40 hours in a week, you’re likely entitled to overtime pay. Under the FLSA, overtime pay must be at least 1.5 times your regular hourly rate. That means if you’re paid $20 an hour, your overtime rate jumps to $30 per hour. 

Unfortunately, some employers find sneaky ways to deny workers their rightful overtime. They might: 

• Misclassify your role as “exempt” to dodge overtime rules. 
• Claim you’re a contractor even if you work like a full-time employee. 
• Expect you to finish tasks off the clock, pretending those hours don’t count. 

These tactics aren’t just shady—they’re illegal. If you’ve worked extra hours without extra pay, it’s time to take action. 

The 40-Hour Workweek Standard 

One of the most significant protections under the FLSA is the 40-hour workweek. Once you’ve worked 40 hours in a seven-day period, every additional hour is considered overtime and must be paid accordingly. 

Some employers try to sidestep this rule by offering “comp time” (extra time off instead of pay) or insisting overtime is just part of the job. Don’t fall for it. Unless you’re a government employee, comp time is not a legal substitute for overtime pay. And no matter what your boss claims, you’re entitled to be paid for every single hour you work. 

State-Specific Protections: Stronger Laws for Stronger Workers 

While the FLSA sets a baseline, many states go further to protect workers. Depending on where you live, you may have access to stronger wage and hour laws that provide greater security and benefits. 

Your State Might Go Beyond Federal Standards 

Here are a few ways state laws often improve upon federal protections: 

• Higher Minimum Wages: States like New York, California, and Washington require employers to pay significantly more than the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour. 
• Broader Overtime Coverage: Some states, like California, have stricter overtime rules, requiring additional pay not just for hours over 40 per week but also for hours worked over eight in a single day. 
• Industry-Specific Protections: Many states have extra safeguards for workers in specific industries, such as hospitality, healthcare, or agriculture. 

Examples of State Laws That Go the Extra Mile 

• California: In addition to daily overtime after 8 hours, workers are entitled to double-time pay after 12 hours in a day. California also strictly enforces meal and rest break laws, requiring employers to compensate workers if these breaks are missed. 
• New York: Employers in New York must follow strict rules about tracking time for hourly workers, including hospitality employees, who are also protected against tip theft and other exploitative practices. 
• Washington: This state not only enforces a higher minimum wage but also offers protections for workers who experience unpredictable scheduling or on-call shifts. 

These examples highlight how state laws can step in where federal protections leave gaps, giving workers even greater security. 

Why Employers Rely on Your Silence 

Employers who violate labor laws often rely on one simple thing: your silence. They hope you don’t know your rights or that you’re too afraid to stand up for them. They hope you don’t contact the Rochester attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP. But let’s be clear—staying silent only benefits them, not you. 

Here’s why employers think they can get away with it: 

• Misinformation: They count on workers not understanding complex labor laws. 
• Fear of Retaliation: Many employees worry they’ll lose their jobs or face backlash if they speak up. 
• Normalization: Employers often frame illegal practices as “just how it is,” making workers feel like there’s no point in fighting back. 

But here’s the truth: the law is designed to protect you. Employers who break the rules can face investigations, penalties, and lawsuits. The first step is knowing your rights and recognizing when they’re being violated. 

Take Control: Knowledge Is Your Greatest Tool 

Understanding the protections you’re guaranteed by law can change everything. It shifts the power dynamic, putting you in control and forcing employers to treat you with the respect you deserve. 

Federal and State Laws Are on Your Side 

From the FLSA to stronger state-specific rules, the law is clear: your time and effort have value. Whether it’s overtime pay, fair scheduling, or protection against retaliation, you have the tools you need to demand justice. 

What You Can Do 

If you believe your rights have been violated, don’t wait. Start by documenting the issue, from missing hours to communications with your employer. Then, consult an experienced employment attorney who can help you navigate the next steps. 

At Horn Wright, LLP, we specialize in holding employers accountable. With years of experience fighting for workers’ rights, we know how to build a strong case and get you the compensation you deserve. 

Stand Up for Your Rights: Reclaim What’s Yours with Horn Wright, LLP

Employers who violate labor laws count on your silence. But when you know your rights, you take away their power. Don’t let them steal your time, effort, or paycheck. 

Horn Wright, LLP, is here to help you stand up to injustice and reclaim what’s yours. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us fight for the pay and respect you deserve.