Two former Amazon workers are accusing the company of violating wage laws. They allege that the company failed to pay overtime, meal time and other requirements under state labor law.
The plaintiffs worked at Amazon distribution centers in Patterson and San Bernardino. They are seeking to turn the lawsuit into a class-action case. They believe that other workers may not have been adequately compensated.
The two employees allege that the violations have gone on for four years. The specific violations alleged by the workers include failing to provide meal breaks and not paying overtime when it was earned.
It’s too early to say whether this is merely an instance of two workers feeling slighted or if it’s a larger issue throughout Amazon. Whatever the case may be, this lawsuit is a good reminder that workers should know what their rights are under California law.
- For every five hours worked, most workers are entitled to receive a 30-minute unpaid meal break. For every four hours worked, most workers are entitled to receive a 10-minute paid break.
- If an employee works a split shift, they must be compensated an additional hour of work. This is known as a “split shift premium.” A split shift occurs when a worker works two separate shifts during a workday that are separated by an unpaid break of at least one hour.
- Employees eligible for overtime must be compensated 1.5 times their regular rate of pay if they work more than eight hours in a day or more than 40 hours in a week. If an employee works more than 12 hours in a day, they must receive double their regular rate of pay.
Even if you’re a salaried worker, you may be eligible for overtime benefits in California. If you’re not being fully compensated for the work you done, there are steps you can take to ensure you’re receiving all of the wages you deserve.
