Cedar Rapids, IA asked in Employment Law for Iowa

Q: Do I have a basis to sue my employer for wage theft

he has been taking my lunch breaks out of my pay without me actually taking any

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James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: In Iowa, if your employer is deducting your lunch breaks from your pay without you actually taking them, this could potentially be a case of wage theft. Employers are required to pay for all hours worked, and if they're deducting time for breaks that aren't being taken, they're effectively not paying for work done during those periods. You should first address this issue with your employer, providing a record of the times you worked without taking those breaks. If the employer does not rectify the situation, you might have grounds for a lawsuit for unpaid wages.

Additionally, you can file a complaint with the Iowa Division of Labor or the U.S. Department of Labor. These agencies can investigate wage theft claims and, if necessary, take action against the employer. Documentation of your work hours and any communication with your employer about this issue will be important. Legal action can be considered if these steps don't resolve the issue.

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