Are You Being Paid Correctly? Let’s Discuss Your Rights

If you're managing a motel, hotel, RV campground, RV Park, mobile home park, or property, you may not be receiving the wages you're entitled to. As an employee, your time and effort are valuable. At Bober & Bober, we practice employment law with a focus on unpaid wage disputes. We can help you understand your legal rights under federal law.

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Onsite Work, Unpaid Wages

Onsite employees like Innkeepers, motel managers, hotel managers, recreational vehicle (RV) campground managers, “work campers,” and property managers often face wage violations, receiving less than minimum wage or overtime pay in exchange for “free” lodging that primarily benefits the employer by keeping staff on call 24/7. Legally, for lodging to count as part of wages, it must serve the employee's benefit, be accepted voluntarily, and be valued at actual cost—not retail. Many employers fail to meet these criteria, charging inflated rates, lacking accurate records, or profiting from deductions, all of which breach labor laws. Regardless of job titles, employees retain their legal wage rights, with protections against lodging credits used for the employer's convenience.

Common Legal Violations

Many employees face wage theft without even knowing it. Some common forms of wage violations include:

1. Unpaid Wages and Minimum Wage Violations:
  • Many managers receive compensation below the minimum wage, often in exchange for “free” lodging. However, if the lodging primarily benefits the owner rather than the employee, this practice may violate wage laws.
2. Failure to Pay Overtime:
  • Employees in these roles frequently work long hours, including nights and weekends, without receiving overtime pay as required by law. To be exempt from overtime, you must be paid a certain amount each week and your job duties must fit into one of the legally defined exemptions.
3. Improper Wage Credit for Lodging:
  • Employers often attempt to deduct a “wage credit” for lodging by charging the retail value of the room rather than the actual cost. Legally, the lodging credit can only reflect the employer’s reasonable cost and should not generate profit for the employer.
4. Inaccurate Record Keeping:
  • Many employers fail to keep proper records of the costs associated with providing lodging, which is required to validate any wage deductions for lodging.
5. Misclassification of Employment Status:
  • Employers may label workers as “contractors”, “work campers” or something else instead of employees, attempting to sidestep wage and hour laws. The legal definition, however, determines employment status, not the label assigned by the employer.
Your Legal Rights: What You Need to Know
  • Right to Wages: A covered employee is entitled to be paid for all the hours worked, including minimum wages and overtime when applicable.
  • Exempt vs. Non-Exempt Status: Whether you're exempt or non-exempt from overtime pay is determined by legal tests, not the intent of the employer.
  • Non-waivable Right to Overtime Pay: Your entitlement to overtime cannot be waived by the employer or employee. Even if your employer pressures you to agree to not be paid overtime, you can still seek overtime wages you are entitled to under the law.
  • Protection from Retaliation: It’s illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for seeking unpaid wages.
  • Statute of Limitations: You have a limited amount of time to file a claim for unpaid wages. Therefore, you should not delay in learning about your legal rights and the time limits on your claim.
  • Legal Representation: Seeking legal advice and representation can help you navigate the complexities of employment law.
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Why Choose Bober & Bober?

At Bober & Bober, we help you understand your rights and help you take action against employers violating the law. Here’s what sets us apart:

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Free Case Evaluation

Unsure if you have a case? We offer a free, confidential consultation to review your situation and determine if we can help you. We will not contact your employer unless you hire us to represent you.

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Extensive Experience in Wage and Employment Law

Samara and Peter Bober are highly experienced attorneys with decades of expertise specifically in handling wage theft cases. We understand the sometimes complicated laws that protect employees and are here to help you understand your legal options.

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Personalized Attention and Strong Advocacy

We take the time to understand your specific situation and tailor our legal strategy to meet your needs. We prepare your case so we can litigate and negotiate from a position of strength. We also understand the importance of responsive communication and personal support throughout the process.

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No Fees or Costs Unless We Recover Money for You

If we are able to take your wage case, we will take it on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not pay us anything for our fees or costs we incur for litigating your case unless we recover damages for you.

FREE, CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION

Time is of the Essence – Contact us today.

Wage theft is more common than you might think, but it can be challenging to detect. If you suspect that you’re not being paid properly, it’s crucial to reach out. Every pay period that goes by could mean lost wages that you won’t be able to recover.

Please fill out the contact form below for a free consultation. You work hard, and deserve the wages that you may be entitled to under the law.

Click Here Now for Your Free Consultation!