ARE YOU OWED WAGES?

Yes. If you’re an hourly employee, unpaid overtime happens when your employer doesn’t pay you for all the hours you worked beyond the standard 40‑hour workweek. Washington state does not require daily overtime, but you are still entitled to 1.5 times your regular rate for all hours over 40 in a workweek. This may include off‑the‑clock tasks, being told to “finish up” after clocking out, or being misclassified as exempt even though your job duties qualify you for overtime pay.

No. Washington state law requires employers to provide a 30‑minute uninterrupted meal break for shifts over five hours, plus a paid 10‑minute rest break for every four hours worked. You must be fully relieved of all duties and allowed to take your break without pressure, monitoring, or being called back to work. If your employer forces you to work through breaks, shortens them, or discourages you from taking them, that is a potential wage‑and‑hour violation under Washington law. You may be entitled to compensation for every missed or interrupted break period.

Depending on your situation, you may be able to recover unpaid wages, overtime premiums, missed break compensation, interest, and damages under the Washington Minimum Wage Act. Washington law also allows for the recovery of attorneys’ fees and costs, and additional penalties may apply if your employer willfully violated wage laws or failed to maintain accurate records. Our legal team can help you evaluate what you’re owed and ensure your full rights under Washington state law are protected.