Many call centers now use at home call center employees. This provides the employer with substantial savings and gives workers the benefit of working from home. However, many call centers do not pay overtime to telecommuters or at home call center workers for time spent before the shift or after the shift. This is a violation of federal wage laws.
At home call center employees are often required to work more than 40 hours a week but do not get paid overtime wages. Extra time is often required to boot up a computer or review scripts before the “official work day.” While this may just seem like an extra ten to fifteen minutes extra a day, it adds up to significant hours over weeks, months, and years.
At home call center employees are often told by management that they are not entitled to overtime pay for these extra minutes a day. However, this is a clear violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. In general, “hours worked” includes all time an employee must be on duty including starting the computer to download work instructions, computer applications, reviewing scripts, work-related emails, and other job requirements.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage & Hour Division, covered nonexempt employees are entitled to be paid at least the federal minimum wage as well as overtime at time and one-half their regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. This includes employees who work at call centers or out of their own home.
Our experienced call center overtime pay attorneys can determine whether you are entitled to overtime wages based upon your job description, job duties, rate of pay, and number of hours worked. You are entitled to these wages against your current employer or past call center employer. There are strict time deadlines for filing lawsuits so it is essential that you contact an attorney immediately.
To help easily determine whether you are eligible to file an at home call center overtime wage claim, you should contact our experienced overtime pay lawyers at (855) 754-2795 for a Free Consultation to discuss your case. You can also fill out the Free Unpaid Overtime Case Review Form on this page. We will discuss your situation and determine if you have a claim. There are absolutely no legal fees or costs unless you receive a settlement.
At Home Call Center Frequently Asked Questions
Are at home call center employees entitled to overtime pay?
What are the at home call center overtime pay laws?