Houston Employment Law Blog
Understanding pay discrimination and what is prohibited
Pay discrimination in Texas is illegal under state and federal laws. Unfortunately, it continues to be a problem in many workplaces. People who learn that they have been paid less than their coworkers for the same work might have grounds to file discrimination claims....
What happens when ERISA is violated?
Many Texans have benefits plans through their jobs that are covered by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. This is a federal law that protects workers who work for private employers that offer health care coverage, pensions, retirement plans, or...
Rules that apply when working off the clock
As a general rule, it is illegal for workers to not be paid for their labor. At a minimum, employees must be paid for every hour they work. Additionally, they are entitled to receive overtime pay if they work over 40 hours in a given week. In some cases, employers are...
The gender equity gap is narrowing but it still persists
Unequal pay for women in the same jobs as men is more than unenlightened thinking. For some, working harder for less means coming up short on the mortgage, the heating bill or junior’s tuition. Choosing between groceries and doctor visits. A smaller nest egg with...
Knowing your rights when facing wage discrimination
Though the U.S. has made progress toward gender equality, the pay gap persists. In 2019, women earned 79 cents to every dollar that men earned. And women’s incomes plateau earlier than men’s do, exacerbating their economic disadvantage. You may have discovered that...
Produce workers describe appalling working conditions
Federal law generally requires employers in Texas and around the country to pay their employees at least $7.25 per hour, but many produce workers in the Rio Grande Valley are receiving less than half of this amount according to a local advocacy group. Texas Rio Grande...
How to pursue a wage and hour violation claim
Most workers in Texas and throughout the country are covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act. The FLSA mandates that workers are paid a minimum wage and receive overtime pay when working more than 40 hours in a week. If an employer fails to abide by these rules, it...
Gender pay gap can affect freelancers as much as employees
When you own your own business, you get to choose how much you charge for services. While you may think that this can give you the power to fight unequal pay, a new study shows that even solo entrepreneurs and freelancers have a gender pay gap. Business management...
Low-paid workers are often the primary victims of wage theft
It’s been called the crime hardly anyone talks about, and it’s hurting countless workers across America. According to the Economic Policy Institute, more than 2 million people have lost approximately $8 billion in yearly income from wage theft at the hands of...
Is my employer taking advantage of my benefits plan?
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) protects employees who receive welfare or retirement benefits from their employers. Specifically, ERISA protects your savings from abuse and entitles you to information about your plan. But sometimes, employers fail...
