5 Ways To Protect Your Rights As A Flat Rate Contract Driver

Too often, large employers violate the workplace rights of flat rate contract drivers. The good news is that these drivers are winning lawsuits around the country to get back their rightfully earned wages. If you are a flat rate contract driver, keep reading to learn how you can protect your rights now so that you may have a more successful lawsuit in the future. 

1. Keep Your Receipts

Keep all of your receipts for any work-related expenses. Flat rate contract drivers often use their own vehicles for work, which can result in these types of costs. For example, common expenses are fuel costs or vehicle repairs. If you later bring a lawsuit, your employer might have to reimburse you for work-related costs that you had to pay for in order to do your job. So, you should keep receipts to have a detailed record of how much your employer owes you.

2. Keep A Journal Of Your Time

Keep a detailed record of all of your work hours that includes both dates and times. This record will be important evidence if your employer hasn’t paid you properly. For example, in a lawsuit, you might be able to recover any unpaid wages, such as overtime payments. Make sure to include in this journal any time that you spend on work-related duties, even if your employer doesn’t consider you “on-the-clock.” Flat rate contract drivers can also recover unpaid wages for “off-the-clock” work they perform. 

3. Complain In Writing

Based on your detailed time record, complain to your employer in writing if you haven’t been paid properly. It’s important that you put any complaints in writing because you don’t want your employer to lie in a lawsuit and say that you never complained. Some employees are afraid to complain because they don’t want to risk losing their job. However, you should know that if an employer takes adverse action against you for sticking up for your rights, you may also have yet another legal claim against your employer: retaliation.

4. Keep Hard Copies of Company Policies

Keep hard copies of any company policies distributed to you during your employment. For example, company policies are usually found in employee handbooks or training manuals. This information is important evidence for a future lawsuit because sometimes employers list illegal practices in these documents. For example, an employer may list an illegal “no overtime pay” policy in a company handbook. This evidence would greatly strengthen your own improper pay allegations against your employer.

5. Seek Legal Assistance Today

If your rights as a flat rate contract driver have been violated, seek legal assistance today. The Working Solutions Law Firm, located in New York City, can assist you. Contact us today at (646) 430-7930 to schedule a free case evaluation and receive experienced legal counsel.