Federal Employee Wage & Employment Rights Attorneys

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Were You Underpaid or Unlawfully Laid Off? You May Have a Case.

Were You Underpaid or Unlawfully Laid Off? You May Have a Case.

The federal government is one of the largest employers in the U.S., but many agencies fail to follow labor laws when it comes to compensating and treating employees fairly. If youā€™re a federal worker who has been denied overtime, misclassified, forced to work off the clock, recently laid off or retaliated against for speaking up, you may have a case.

At The Carlson Law Firm, we specialize in federal wage and hour disputes, back pay claims, misclassification issues, and employment law violations. If your agency has shorted your wages or violated your rights, we can help you fight back.

Federal worker wage and layoff lawsuits

What is the Federal Worker Wage & Layoff Lawsuit?

The following are allegations our law firm is investigating on behalf of Federal Workers:

Failure to pay owed wages

Federal agencies often delay, miscalculate, or withhold wages, leaving employees shorted on overtime, final paychecks, or differential pay.

Misclassifying employees

Many federal workers are misclassified as ā€œexemptā€ to deny overtime pay or wrongly labeled as contractors to avoid providing benefits.

Denying or delaying severance benefits

Some agencies promise severance pay, retirement incentives, or leave payoutsā€”then delay or deny them after layoffs.

Federal Employee Layoffs & Wage Violations Explained

Mass layoffs and workforce reductions are impacting thousands of federal employees, but that doesnā€™t mean agencies can ignore wage laws. The federal government, like any employer, is legally required to follow the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Back Pay Act, ensuring that employees receive fair wages, overtime pay, and proper classificationā€”even when facing termination.

Under the FLSA, federal employers must:

  • Pay non-exempt employees overtime (1.5x their regular pay) for any hours worked beyond 40 per week.
  • Accurately classify workers to prevent mislabeling employees as ā€œexemptā€ to avoid overtime.
  • Compensate for all hours worked, including pre-shift duties, post-shift meetings, and required training.
  • Provide final wages, accrued leave payouts, and severance benefits on time.

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Despite these legal requirements, many agencies cut corners during layoffs by delaying or withholding wages, forcing employees to work off the clock, or improperly classifying positions to reduce payroll costs. But the law is clear: the government must follow the same labor protections that apply to private employers. If your agency failed to pay you correctly, you may be entitled to compensation. Schedule a free consultation with Federal Wage Claim Attorney today.

Federal Workforce Reductions & Unpaid Wages

For many federal workers, the period following a layoff is financially stressful, and missing or delayed wages can make it even harder to transition. Unfortunately, some agencies take advantage of complex payroll systems or misclassification tactics to avoid paying employees what they are rightfully owed. Others fail to process severance packages in a timely manner, leaving former employees in limbo. If you werenā€™t fully paid for your time, overtime, or benefits, there are legal options available to recover what you are owed.

Common Wage Violations During Federal Layoffs

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Back Pay Act ensure that federal workers receive their final paychecks, overtime, and accrued benefits in full and on time.

  • Delayed or Missing Final Paychecks: Federal employers must pay all final wages promptly upon termination. However, some agencies delay processing final paychecks or withhold them altogether, leaving employees without the money theyā€™ve rightfully earned.
  • Unpaid Overtime for Extra Hours Worked Before Termination: If you worked more than 40 hours per week before your layoff, you are entitled to overtime pay unless you were properly classified as exempt under FLSA. Many federal workers are misclassified as exempt to avoid overtime payments, leading to thousands in lost wages.
  • Payroll Miscalculations Reducing Owed Wages: Even small errors in federal payroll systems can lead to significant underpayments. These miscalculations often reduce final pay, incorrectly calculate overtime, or fail to account for hazard and shift differentials. If you suspect an error in your final paycheck, you may be entitled to recover the missing wages.
  • Failure to Pay Out Accrued Leave, Bonuses, or Severance: Many federal employees accrue unused vacation time, sick leave, and performance-based bonuses. These must be paid out upon termination unless a specific policy states otherwise. Agencies that refuse or delay severance payouts may be violating federal labor laws.

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With the speed and quantity of recent federal layoffs, it is possible that you have not received your pay in full or one time. Our Federal Worker Wage Claim attorneys are helping people just like you navigate the complex legal system. Schedule your free consultation with a member of our wage and labor rights team at 800-359-5690.

Improper Meal Break Deductions? This is a Violation of Your Rights

In the realm of employment law, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) ensures fair wages and working conditions for employees. While the FLSAā€™s stance on meal breaks is frequently overlooked, it is critical to employee protection. The improper meal break deductions can significantly reduce overtime payā€”creating a ripple effect of unfair labor practices.

Federal Judge Rules Major Healthcare Network Is Liable for Wage Theft Claim

Wage theft occurs when an employer does not properly pay hourly workers for the time they worked. This is a serious problem that affects countless workers. Victims of wage theft are often unaware that theyā€™re being underpaid or are afraid to speak up. Wage theft can occur in several ways, including: forcing employees to work off-the-clock, refusing to pay overtime, paying workers less than minimum wage, or refusing to pay workers the agreed wages.

How do I learn more About my Right as a Federal Employee?

If you were affected by recent layoffs, you may have a federal wage violation claim. Our legal team can review your case and help you with your next steps.

Steps to File a Federal Employee Wage & Layoff Lawsuit

Call 800-359-5690 or fill out the form above. We are taking federal employee wage claim clients nationwide and are ready to help you get everything you deserve.Ā 

Gather essential documents such as pay stubs and any communications with your employer. Be prepared to send those documents to us for us to review. Your legal representative will have information on the best ways to get us that information.Ā 

If you choose to proceed with legal representation from The Carlson Law Firm, we will file your wage theft or layoff claim against the government.

We will fight to recover back pay, severance and other damages.Ā 

If you’ve had wages withheld or would like to learn more information about how you can recover what you’re owed, call us at 800-359-5690.

Who Is Affected?

Thousands of current and former federal employees may have been underpaid, misclassified, or wrongfully denied wages and benefits due to agency payroll violations. If you were recently laid off, terminated, or denied fair compensation, you may qualify to take legal action.

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How You Can Help Other Fresenius Employees

If youā€™ve experienced wage violations, misclassification, or unfair treatment after a layoff, chances are youā€™re not alone. Many federal employees donā€™t realize they have legal rights or assume nothing can be done when their agency fails to pay them correctly. By speaking up and sharing this information, you can help others recover the wages and benefits they deserve.

Our experienced FLSA violation attorneys are here to help when you need it most.

Federal worker wage theft claims after DOGE firings.

How much does it cost to file a federal worker wage claim?

There are NO upfront costs. At The Carlson Law Firm, we work on a contingency basis, meaning you donā€™t pay unless we win your case.

Call 833-4-CARLSON for a free consultation and find out if youā€™re owed compensation

FAQs: Fresenius Wage Theft Lawsuit

Yes! Federal employees have the right to recover unpaid wages, overtime, and severance benefits under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Back Pay Act. If your agency miscalculated, delayed, or withheld your pay, you may be entitled to compensation.

Federal law requires agencies to issue final paychecks on time. If you were laid off and did not receive your last paycheck, unused vacation pay, or severance benefits, your employer may be in violation of federal labor laws.

If you were classified as ā€œexemptā€ but regularly worked more than 40 hours per week without overtime pay, you may have been misclassified to avoid paying overtime. Your job dutiesā€”not your job titleā€”determine whether you should receive overtime.

Yes! There are strict deadlines for filing wage claims, but you may still be eligible. The FLSA and Back Pay Act allow federal employees to recover wages owed for up to several years, depending on the circumstances.

If your employer refused to pay severance, delayed payment, or didnā€™t pay the full amount, you may be able to recover the compensation you were promised. Agencies often wrongfully deny severance to cut costs, but this can be challenged.

Yes! Federal law requires all compensable work to be paid. If you were forced to check emails, attend meetings, or complete reports outside of paid hours, your employer may have violated FLSA wage laws.

Take Action Now ā€“ Protect Your Rights as a Federal Employee

If you were laid off, misclassified, denied overtime, or unpaid for your work as a federal employee, you are not alone. The federal government must follow wage and labor laws just like any private employer, and when agencies fail to pay employees correctly, they can be held accountable.

At The Carlson Law Firm, we fight for federal employees who have been wronged by payroll miscalculations, severance denials, and FLSA violations. If you or someone you know has experienced unpaid overtime, delayed final paychecks, or retaliation for reporting wage violations, you may have a strong legal case.

Time limits may apply when filing claims, so donā€™t wait to take action. Let our experienced Wage Claim Attorney help you recover the wages and benefits you are legally owed.

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There's a CARLSON LAW FIRM Near You

With over a dozen locations throughout Texas, thereā€™s a Carlson Law Firm near you. We have law offices located in Killeen, Temple, Waco, Round Rock, Austin, San Antonio, Kerrville, Laredo, Bryan, Lubbock, Midland, and Corpus Christi.

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