Important Overtime Rules (FLSA)
Under federal law, non-exempt employees must be paid "time and one-half" their regular rate for any hours worked beyond 40 in a single workweek.
1. What is a "Workweek"?
A workweek is a fixed and regularly recurring period of 168 hours — seven consecutive 24-hour periods. It does not need to coincide with the calendar week.
2. Non-Exempt vs. Exempt
Not everyone gets overtime. "Exempt" employees (usually high-level salaried managers) don't qualify. Most workers paid hourly are "Non-Exempt" and must be paid overtime.
3. Double Time
Federal law does not require double time. However, states like California require double pay if you work more than 12 hours in a single day or more than 8 hours on the 7th consecutive day of work.
Is Your Employer Refusing to Pay?
Wage theft is a crime. If you've worked overtime and haven't been paid, you may be entitled to double the unpaid amount (liquidated damages) and your attorney fees paid by the employer.