Are You Being Underpaid?

Fair compensation is more than just a paycheck—it’s your right as an employee. Being paid appropriately for the work you do is essential to supporting yourself, your family and your future. Unfortunately, many workers are underpaid without even realizing it. Identifying the signs of underpayment is the first step toward correcting the issue. If you think you’re earning less than what you deserve, the Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline can help.

Signs You May Be Underpaid

Underpayment in the workplace can happen in several ways, sometimes due to honest mistakes and other times due to intentional violations of employment laws. Understanding your rights and how the law protects you is crucial. Here are some common scenarios that may indicate you’re being underpaid:

1. You’re Not Receiving Overtime Pay

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employees are entitled to overtime pay if they work more than 40 hours in a week. Overtime must be compensated at a rate of one and a half times your regular hourly wage. If your employer has you working extra hours but isn’t paying overtime, they are not abiding by federal law. Don’t assume this is legal—even salaried employees may be misclassified and entitled to overtime pay.

2. You’re Paid Less Than Minimum Wage

Every state has rules regarding minimum wage, and employers must pay this minimum rate. As of January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Illinois is $15.00 an hour. If your wages fall below the lawfully required rate, your employer is violating your rights.

3. Discrimination-Based Pay Gaps

Pay discrepancies tied to race, gender, religion, age or other protected characteristics are glaring violations of both federal and state laws. Despite regulations like the Equal Pay Act, wage discrimination remains a significant problem in the workforce. If you believe you aren’t receiving equal pay for equal work, it’s critical to seek legal guidance.

4. Unlawful Deductions or Missing Paychecks

Employers cannot withhold or deduct wages unfairly. If you’re missing paychecks or seeing unexplained deductions, this may signal a serious issue.

How An Attorney Can Help

Facing an employer to discuss unpaid wages can feel stressful, especially when the law isn’t clear-cut to most employees. That’s where an employment attorney becomes indispensable. At the Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline, we bring over 30 years of experience advocating for employees’ rights. We can assess your pay situation, determine if unlawful practices are at play, and work tirelessly to recover the compensation you’re entitled to.

Whether it’s pursuing legal action, negotiating a settlement or simply educating you on your rights, we’re here to help. Our firm has a proven record of holding employers accountable while providing compassionate and personalized representation for each client.

Contact Our Firm For a Consultation

If you suspect you’re being underpaid, don’t wait to take action. Your pay is too important to ignore, and you deserve fair treatment in the workplace. Contact the Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline today to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you fight for the pay you rightfully earned—and protect your rights along the way.