Louisiana Overtime Laws

Louisiana has limited state-level involvement in overtime regulations, making federal law the primary source of protection for employees. While the state does have a workforce commission, it doesn’t have its own overtime laws. Therefore, employees in Louisiana rely on the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for overtime rights.

Key Points About Overtime in Louisiana:

FLSA is the Standard: The FLSA governs overtime pay in Louisiana. Employees should receive 1.5 times their regular pay rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.

No Daily Overtime: Louisiana follows the federal standard and doesn’t require overtime pay for exceeding a certain number of hours worked in a day.

No State Overtime Enforcement: The Louisiana Workforce Commission doesn’t handle overtime complaints. Employees must rely on the U.S. Department of Labor or pursue private lawsuits to enforce their rights.

Minimum Wage: Louisiana has not adopted a state minimum wage. Employers must adhere to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.

Statute of Limitations

Since Louisiana overtime claims typically fall under the FLSA, the federal statute of limitations applies. This means employees have 2 years to file a claim for unpaid overtime, or 3 years if the violation is deemed “willful.”

Damages for unpaid overtime

Louisiana employees can typically recover the following damages under federal law:

- - - - Unpaid overtime wages
        
        Liquidated (double) damages
        
        Attorneys’ fees

Need Legal Help with Louisiana Overtime?

Understanding overtime laws in Louisiana means understanding federal regulations. If you believe your employer has violated your overtime rights, it’s crucial to seek legal counsel. Our experienced overtime attorneys can help you navigate the FLSA and pursue a claim for unpaid wages.