Time-Shaving and Manipulated Timesheets Lawyer

Summary: Although federal law provides certain exemptions, altering an employee’s timesheet is often illegal. If your employer is engaging in time-shaving or timesheet manipulation, you may have grounds to file a claim seeking compensation for back wages. Contact an attorney to learn more about your rights. 

Under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), companies are required to pay employees for all hours worked and compensate covered workers for overtime. Unauthorized time card changes can result in serious wage losses for employees and are often illegal. 

A time-shaving and manipulated timesheets lawyer assists workers across a range of industries with all manner of wage theft disputes. If your employer is illegally altering your timesheet and depriving you of full wages, overtime, or other benefits, an attorney can assert your right to compensation against any such violations. 

FLSA Timekeeping Requirements

Time-shaving is a common way that employers may try to underpay employees. The FLSA establishes specific standards for wage and hour requirements, including minimum wage, overtime, and recordkeeping provisions. The law also requires that employers include multiple aspects of employee hours worked in their recordkeeping procedures. 

For example, employers should keep detailed records of:

• Daily hours worked
• Regular hourly pay
• The basis for wage calculation
• The start time and day of employee’s workweeks

Employers must also record overtime earnings for the workweek along with straight-time earnings. Timekeeping methods can be electronic, automated, or paper-based. 

There are a few limited legal scenarios where an employer may change an employee’s timesheet without it being considered illegal time-shaving or manipulation. For instance, if the employee called in sick, accidentally created a double punch when they clocked in or out, or recorded the wrong time on their timesheet, the employer can be authorized to correct these issues without engaging in unlawful activities. 

However, some employers frequently alter time cards to skirt federal pay requirements. If you believe your employer has illegally altered, shaved, or manipulated your timecards, an attorney can help you understand your rights and the legal merits of a potential claim. 

Examples of Unlawful Time-Shaving and Timesheet Manipulation

There are numerous reasons employers may engage in unlawful time-shaving and timesheet manipulation. These tactics may be used for the purpose of:

• Reducing the amount of time the company has to pay workers for certain tasks
• Reducing the overall number of hours worked
• Avoiding overtime pay obligations

Common examples of potential illegal time-shaving that may require consultation with an experienced attorney include: 

• Always rounding employee clock-in or clock-out times down 
• Asking employees to perform tasks off the clock 
• Encouraging employees to clock in early and wait for work, but not paying them 
• Inflating rest breaks to reduce the amount of time paid 
• Automatically deducting for meal or rest breaks that are not actually taken
• Changing the hours worked on timesheets without the approval of the employee 
• Changing an employee’s shift start and end times without approval 
• Barring employees from taking allotted breaks or requiring employees to take lunch that is less than the legally allowed time 
• Requiring workers to work overtime without compensation or paying them straight time 

If you suspect illegal time shaving, it is important to keep detailed records of your work hours, including clock-in-and clock-out times. Take care to preserve all essential forms of evidence, such as:

• Emails or conversations with supervisors
• Copies of timecards
• Any records of timecard discrepancies
• Dates/times when your employer forced you to work off the clock

You should also speak with a lawyer to discuss your legal options. An attorney can investigate and review relevant documents to determine whether unlawful time-shaving or timesheet manipulation has occurred. 

A Time-Shaving and Manipulated Timesheets Attorney Can Help

If you have noticed discrepancies in the hours reported on your timesheet, you may need to take proactive measures and consult with an attorney. A time-shaving and manipulated timesheets lawyer can gather the necessary evidence to support your claim. 

An attorney can also explain what legal recourse is available and fight for justice on your behalf to secure your hard-earned wages. If you have questions about time card alterations that you believe may violate the overtime pay laws, contact our firm today to request your free, confidential review. Use our chat or fill out an online form to get started.