Fair Wage Laws

3 Things independent contractors in the oilfields need to know about overtime pay

More and more, oilfield companies are classifying their workers as independent contractors, either directly or through consulting firms.  They do so in order to avoid paying overtime, benefits and various state and…

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Court invokes first to file rule in oilfield overtime suit

Under the first-to-file rule, when related cases are pending before two federal courts, the court in which the case was last filed may refuse to hear it if the issues raised by…

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Fifth Circuit issues independent contractor decision in oilfield overtime case

Whether an oilfield worker is an employee, and thus entitled to the protections of the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”), which is the federal statute governing overtime, or an independent contractor, is…

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What do courts consider when deciding whether to approve an overtime settlement?

In a lawsuit brought by employees against their employer seeking back wages under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”), it is common for parties to present a proposed settlement to the court…

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When are liquidated damages proper in an overtime case?

The Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”), which is the federal law that governs overtime pay, provides that a claimant, in addition to recovering their overtime wages, may also be entitled to liquidated…

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Jury finds for oilfield truck drivers in overtime pay suit

Employers who fail to pay their employees overtime pay are in violation of the federal  law that governs overtime pay, known as the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”). Employees that are not…

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Overtime and your bonus payments – what you need to know!

In Texas, with the boom in fracking, the oil and gas industry is growing, creating new jobs now than it ever has before. In order to retain their employees that are being…

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Texas Overtime Laws – Know Your Legal Rights!

Workers often ask us what are the Texas overtime laws?  While some states have enacted laws that apply to overtime pay, Texas has not, and thus overtime laws in Texas are subject…

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What is a willful violation of the federal overtime laws?

Working in the oil and gas industry can be rewarding and lucrative. However, employers in the oil and gas industry often take liberties with how their employees are paid and cut corners…

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