What happens when mechanics at an auto repair shop put in extra hours to get the job done? Texas adheres to federal overtime regulations. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the federal minimum wage and overtime pay standards.
Under the FLSA, most hourly employees who work more than 40 hours in a workweek (which is typically Sunday to Saturday) are entitled to overtime pay. This overtime pay is calculated at a rate of one and a half times their regular rate of pay.
How overtime pay is calculated
For example, if an auto mechanic’s regular pay rate is $20 per hour, and they work 45 hours in a workweek, the overtime pay calculation would be:
- Overtime hours: 45 total hours – 40 regular hours = 5 overtime hours
- Overtime pay rate: $20 regular rate * 1.5 = $30 per hour
- Overtime pay earned: 5 overtime hours * $30 overtime rate = $150
There are certain exemptions to the FLSA’s overtime rules. However, these exemptions are generally uncommon for auto mechanics.
Keeping track of hours and pay
Both employers and employees have a responsibility to track hours worked. Auto repair shops should have a system in place for employees to record their time accurately. This could be a time clock, digital timekeeping software or signed timesheets.
Employees should keep their own records of hours worked as well. This can be helpful in case of any discrepancies with the shop’s records. It’s also important for employees to understand their pay structure and how overtime is calculated.
Hourly auto mechanics in Texas who have concerns about overtime pay can contact a reliable legal team to help them file a wage claim with the Texas Workforce Commission. Under certain circumstances, filing legal action may be appropriate as well.