Violations of wage laws are among the most contentious issues facing business owners and employees in Maryland. While there are strict regulations in place that are intended to protect both sides of the issue, it is more likely that we will read about an employee’s rights being violated in terms of inadequate minimum wage, unpaid overtime and other similar violations.
For example, readers may have heard about the situation facing Johns Hopkins Hospital. Workers at the hospital recently went on strike after a contract dispute turned sour when it came to increasing wages for cooks, housekeepers and others who are employed at the hospital.
The hospital is in a precarious position. While they are meeting their obligation to pay workers at least the state-approved minimum wage of $10.10 per hour, workers say that is still not enough. Striking workers say they want a minimum of $14 per hour for every worker and about $15 per hour for people with more than 15 years of experience.
The hospital countered those numbers by offering annual raises and a minimum wage of $12.25. According to hospital officials, their concern is that if they raise everyone’s salary to where the workers are asking, they would be forced to cut jobs. They are also trying to adjust to a new system of how the hospital is paid for treating patients and say that making a plan for several years down the line, which is what striking workers have requested, is not possible at this time.
Balancing the financial obligations to workers with the best interests of a company can be a very delicate and difficult process. However, employers can at least try to avoid lawsuits by making sure their wage contracts and practices are in line with state and federal regulations and then enforcing these practices. If and when any payment disputes arise, it may be wise to speak with an attorney who is familiar with Maryland and federal employment laws.
Source: The Baltimore Sun, “Hopkins workers strike over wages,” Andrea K. Walker, April 9, 2014