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Can my employer make a deal with me about my wages or overtime pay?

Any release you have signed with your employer is usually void under the federal labor laws.

Many employers mistakenly believe that they can have their employees sign a release stating that the employee releases all claims to overtime pay, minimum wages, or any other claims allowed under wage and hour laws, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act.

However, the Supreme Court has ruled against these types of deals.

If such action were permitted, then employees would essentially be stripped of their rights under the law. Employers certainly attempt to do this, but unless the release is reviewed and approved by the Department of Labor or a court such releases are void.  They have no effect whatsoever on your right to pursue a wage and overtime claim.

There are dozens of federal cases across the country where employers have reached settlements with their employees regarding overtime pay and minimum wages without government or court approval.  But in two separate opinions, the U.S. Supreme Court concluded that such releases are not valid.

If you have signed anything about wages and overtime pay with your employer, these releases usually do not affect your right to demand your rightful wages under the labor laws. Contact an experienced employment lawyer who knows how the federal labor laws work. Our firm is in Houston, but we maintain a national practice. If you live in Texas, find out how a labor lawyer can help you. We have represented clients in many Texas cities, including:

Pasadena, Brownsville, Grand Prairie, Mesquite, Beaumont, Waco, Carrollton, McAllen, Midland, Odessa, Killeen, Tyler, College Station, Baytown, Bryan, Sugar Land, Victoria, Port Arthur, Harlingen, Galveston, The Woodlands, Temple, Missouri City, Flower Mound, Pearland, Conroe, New Braunfels, Spring, Atascocita, San Marcos, and more.

Read about the new Supreme Court decision that adds more protection for employees in Texas and nationwide.