In New Jersey, some employees are entitled to overtime pay and others are exempt. Those exempt from overtime include executive, administrative, computer technology and professional employees and outside sales representatives. Nonexempt employees who must be paid time-and-a-half overtime include hourly workers, typically in manufacturing and service positions.
There are some exceptions to these rules, particularly in the case of healthcare workers, but employers cannot simply create exceptions. It is a violation of the law when an employer categorizes an employee as exempt when in fact part of all of the employee’s work responsibilities are nonexempt.
Other key facts about the New Jersey overtime rules include:
- Holiday and weekend work. Overtime pay is based on a 40-hour workweek. Time-and-a-half pay is owed only for hours in excess of 40, regardless of when they occur.
- Can employee agree to straight pay? Neither the employee nor employer is allowed to change the rules. A nonexempt employee cannot “agree” to forgo overtime day that he or she deserves under the law.
- Employer requires overtime work. As long as the employer is not violating a collective bargaining agreement, the employer can require employees to work overtime hours. They must be appropriately compensated.
- Healthcare workers. Special rules apply to healthcare workers, but a healthcare facility cannot force overtime simply as a way to deal with chronic staff shortages. Overtime can be required only in short-term emergencies.
If you have been cheated out of overtime pay, you should speak with an NJ wage lawyer about ending the unfair practices and recouping lost wages from past offenses.
Neil H. Deutsch has been practicing law for over 35 years and is known as a skilled negotiator in employment and discrimination law. He believes in a bottom-line approach of risk analysis and cost effectiveness for his clients. "Case evaluation is something we take seriously," says Mr. Deutsch who seeks top net dollar for his…
Bruce L. Atkins is the senior managing partner at Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt P.C., a prominent plaintiff employment law firm in the tri-state area. Mr. Atkins believes employees’ rights should be aggressively pursued when they’ve been wrongfully dealt with by their employers. He brings this philosophy to his practice when considering each case and its…
Adam J. Kleinfeldt joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in March of 2015. He primarily represents individuals in employment litigation such as discrimination, retaliation and whistle blowing matters. He has extensive experience in all phases of the litigation process. Adam has obtained significant results for his clients, including a $525,000 jury verdict in a sexual…
Diane Englander Peyser joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in September 2018 where she represents employees in wrongful termination, retaliation, harassment, and discrimination matters. Prior to joining Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C., Diane represented clients in all aspects of employment law on behalf of employees involving unemployment appeals, claims of sexual harassment, LGBT discrimination, disability…
Debra M. McGarvey joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in December 2019. She has extensive experience defending employees and employers in state and federal court in employment litigation matters. She has represented clients on various issues arising out of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), the…
