What should I do if my employer is violating wage and hour laws in Ohio?

If an employer is violating wage and hour laws in Ohio, the affected employee should take several steps to respond to this situation:

1. Gather evidence: The employee should collect evidence that proves the employer is violating wage and hour laws. This evidence could include paystubs, timesheets, emails, or any other documentation relating to the employee's hours and wages.
2. Contact the employer: The employee should first attempt to address the issue with their employer directly. This may involve talking to their supervisor or HR representative and explaining the issue. If the employer is receptive, they may be willing to rectify the problem.
3. File a complaint with the Ohio Department of Commerce, Wage & Hour Bureau: If the employee cannot resolve the wage and hour violation with their employer, they may have to file a complaint. The Ohio Department of Commerce, Wage & Hour Bureau enforces wage and hour laws in Ohio, including minimum wage, overtime, and other requirements. The employee can file a complaint online or via mail.
4. Consider legal action: If the wage and hour violation affects multiple employees or is particularly severe, an affected employee may want to consider taking legal action. This may involve filing a lawsuit or joining a class-action lawsuit.

It is important to note that there may be limitations or exceptions to taking legal action for a wage and hour violation. For example, there may be a statute of limitations that prevents an employee from filing a lawsuit after a certain period of time has passed. Additionally, some employees may be exempt from certain wage and hour laws depending on their job duties and salary level.

If an employee is unsure how to proceed with a wage and hour violation, it is recommended that they consult with a licensed attorney who can provide more personalized legal advice.