Washington, D.C. – An audit has found that the District of Columbia’s Department of Employment Services (DOES) failed to adhere to its own overtime policies, leading to unauthorized payments for overtime work. The report, released by D.C. Auditor Kathy Patterson, stems from a whistleblower’s allegation of potential misuse of funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. You don’t have to be a whistleblower to assert your employment rights, though. If you worked overtime but weren’t paid for your hours, a Washington, D.C., employment litigation lawyer can help you file a lawsuit against your employer to demand replenishment of your wages.
The audit highlights a significant increase in overtime costs at DOES, with expenditures soaring from $115,991 in fiscal year 2019 to nearly $2 million in fiscal year 2021. The surge in overtime was driven by a sharp rise in unemployment claims, a consequence of the pandemic’s economic impact. Although the audit did not uncover evidence of fraud, the lack of documented approvals for overtime raises concerns about oversight.
“The pandemic put an extraordinary strain on the agency,” Patterson noted. “Our focus was to ensure that, even under stress, the proper procedures were followed.” She suggested that DOES should transition to using an electronic overtime request and approval system integrated with the District’s PeopleSoft software to improve tracking and authorization.
In response, DOES has acknowledged the audit’s findings and is implementing corrective measures. Director Unique Morris-Hughes pointed to the “unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic” as a backdrop to the agency’s challenges. She assured that DOES has since updated its overtime policy to require thorough documentation and is now conducting monthly audits to monitor overtime trends.
What Are Your Options If Your Washington, D.C., Employer Failed To Pay Your Overtime?
In Washington, D.C., employees are entitled to overtime pay under both federal and local laws. If your employer has failed to compensate you for overtime work, several avenues are available to seek remedy and recover your wages.
Start by reviewing your employment contract and company policies regarding overtime pay. Ensure that you have accurate records of the hours you worked and any communications about your overtime.
But, before you take legal action, talk to your boss. Sometimes, payroll errors can be resolved in a simple conversation. Provide your employer with your documentation and request payment for the overtime hours worked. Keep a record of all communications for future reference.
If you don’t get resolution through a professional conversation, you can file a complaint with the D.C. Department of Employment Services (DOES). The DOES Wage and Hour Division handles claims related to wage violations, including unpaid overtime. Visit their website or contact them directly to file your complaint. The DOES will review your claim and may take enforcement actions against your employer.
Once these methods fail, your next option is filing a lawsuit in D.C. court for unpaid overtime. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and local laws, you may recover unpaid wages, interest, and in some cases, legal fees. This is where the legal team atEric Siegel Law comes in. We can represent you in your wage theft suit – call us today for a free consultation.