Oil field workers are the backbone of a vital industry, often working grueling hours in demanding conditions to keep operations running. Unfortunately, many in the industry face wage and hour violations that leave them underpaid and undervalued. At Welmaker Law, we are committed to standing up for Texas oil field workers who have been denied the compensation they deserve. Led by Doug Welmaker, a dedicated attorney with over 15 years of experience, our firm fights for the rights of hardworking employees in Gregg County and elsewhere across Texas.
Discuss your situation in a free consultation with our oil field overtime attorney. Call (903) 664-8737 or contact us online to schedule yours. In-person and virtual consultations are available.
Common Wage & Hour Violations in the Oil & Gas Industry
Since 1999, our attorney has represented workers in Texas's oil and gas industry. During that time, he helped numerous people overcome challenges and remedy complicated disputes.
Often, the cases he and our firm take on involve the following violations:
Improper Classification as Independent Contractors
A true independent contractor controls how they work, sets their own rates, and is not directly supervised by the hiring entity. The best way we have found to describe a real independent contractor is to think of a pool repairman.
You will not tell him the hours he will show up and clean your pool. You are not going to tell him what he is going to charge you. Lastly, you are not going to supervise the details of his work. Why? Because he is an independent contractor. He controls these things, and you have no say in them.
So, ask yourself: Do you look like a pool repairman? If the answer is no, and you work more than forty hours a week and are not getting paid overtime, then you need to call us and see if we can help you recover the wages you deserve.
Oil and gas employers often wrongfully classify workers as independent contractors to avoid paying FICA and social security taxes, overtime, or other benefits. This violation of the law is something that should not stand, as it impacts numerous workers in the industry.
Day Rate Pay Without Overtime
Oil field workers are often paid a flat day rate regardless of their work hours. While this pay model is lawful, employers must still track hours and provide overtime pay for work exceeding 40 hours per week. Far too often, employers ignore this legal requirement, depriving workers of the additional compensation they have earned. Additionally, some day-rate pay structures result in hourly wages that fall below the federal minimum wage, violating the law.
Salary Pay Without Overtime
Similar to day rate pay issues, oil field workers on a salary often assume they are not eligible for overtime, which is a misconception. Even salaried employees must be paid overtime unless classified as exempt under specific labor law guidelines. Employers who fail to pay overtime for hours over 40 per week violate wage laws. Welmaker Law is here to intervene when employers engage in this misconduct.
How Welmaker Law Supports Oil Field Workers
Navigating wage and hour disputes can be intimidating, especially when taking on large corporations. However, with Welmaker Law on your side, you can level the playing field and confidently pursue justice.
Here is how we can help:
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
Our team will begin by thoroughly reviewing the details of your case, including employment agreements, pay records, hours worked, and any relevant documentation. Using this information, we will craft a strategy that aims to recover the compensation you deserve, as well as any damages that may be owed to you.
Advocacy Against Employer Misconduct
Employers often rely on the fear of retaliation or the complexity of labor laws to keep workers silent. At Welmaker Law, you count on our skilled attorney to advocate fiercely on your behalf, handling all correspondence and negotiations with your employer. Whether through mediation or courtroom litigation, he and our supporting team will work to achieve an optimal outcome for you.
Leveraging Extensive Wage & Hour Law Know-How
Our oil field overtime attorney has a wealth of know-how gained from representing thousands of cases across decades. His experience enables us to take on even the most complicated cases, whether they involve overtime pay, compensation for off-the-clock work, or reimbursement for deducted expenses.
If you are an oil field worker who has been denied fair compensation, now is the time to act. Welmaker Law offers free consultations, allowing you to discuss your case and explore your legal options without any upfront costs. Plus, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not owe legal fees unless we win your case. Our aim in doing these things is to make our services more accessible to all workers who need the support of a reliable legal representative.
Your efforts keep the oil and gas industry running. Do not settle for less than you deserve. Call (903) 664-8737 or contact Welmaker Law online to learn how we can help you.
