I am an unpaid intern, but perform the same tasks as paid employees. Should I be getting paid too?

 

A: Yes!

Our fair wage Houston lawyers have seen some companies use interns to replace their existing employees without having to pay labor costs. However, there are strict guidelines from the Fair Labor Standards Act to prevent this from happening.

For example, in order for you to be exempt from the required minimum wage pay, you must be at the company solely to gain experience, training, and education in that field. This does not mean doing a job that a normal, paid employee could do.

You should be under strict supervision from an existing staff member and be receiving training that is similar to what you would gain in an educational environment. The company should not be benefiting - monetarily or otherwise - from you as an unpaid intern. Rather, taking the time to teach you should be somewhat of a burden or sacrifice.

Unpaid internships are a great way to get your foot in the door and fulfill college credit requirements. However, you need to make sure that the tasks you are performing do not make you eligible for pay. Just because you are willing to work for free does not mean that you should be taken advantage of.

The best way to find out if you are being treated fairly is to contact the Houston unpaid intern lawyers at Kennedy Hodges and explain your situation. We also will provide you with a free copy of Ten Biggest Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Wage and Overtime Claim. Order your free copy or request your free consultation by calling 888.449.2068 today.