Ted H.S. Hong attorney at law, lllc

Call: 808-796-5915

Email
Call

A lot of people ask me about why I charge a Consultation Fee of $350. Employment Law is different from other areas of the law. For example, with a traffic accident case, a lawsuit can be filed shortly after the accident. So a number of attorneys provide free consultations to individuals because a decision on filing a lawsuit can be made shortly after.

For people with Employment Law issues, the situation is a lot more complicated. Employment law requires employees and former employees to follow a “process” or protocol in order to address their issues. The purpose of meeting with me is to find out where you are in that required process and what options you may have.

The consultation fee is to make sure that only people who are serious about pursuing a path that may result in a lawsuit meet with me. The fee is also based on my years of training and experience to help guide you to the next steps. You are getting the benefit of my real world experience in employment law and other areas of the law. That is why a Consultation Fee is required.

Resilience And Strength

Can your boss make you work during breaks or after hours in Hawaii?

On Behalf of | Jan 20, 2025 | EMPLOYMENT LAW (EMPLOYEE) - Wage & Hour Laws |

After a busy morning, you finally get to sit down for lunch when suddenly your boss walks up and asks you to keep working. Your stomach growls and you think to yourself, is this legal? Many Hawaii workers face this pressure to skip breaks or stay late, leaving them confused about what is legal. You deserve to know your rights and how to protect them when these situations arise.

What to do when asked to work through breaks

Standing up for your workplace rights requires both knowledge and tactful action. Here are key steps to protect yourself while maintaining professional relationships:

  • Know your rights: Hawaii law requires a 30-minute meal break if you work 8 hours
  • Document everything: Keep track of dates, times and who asked you to skip breaks
  • Stay professional: Respond calmly and clearly about your need for legally required breaks
  • Write it down: Send follow-up emails to confirm what was discussed about working extra
  • Check your pay: Make sure you receive proper overtime pay for extra hours worked
  • Keep records: Save your timesheets and any messages about working during breaks
  • Report violations: Contact Hawaii’s Wage Standards Division if problems continue

Taking these steps puts you in a stronger position to protect your rights while keeping your job.

Protecting your rights at work

While dealing with break violations can feel overwhelming, Hawaii law provides several ways to address these issues. Consider these important options:

  • Your employer must follow state break laws even during busy times
  • Hawaii overtime laws require extra pay when you work more than 40 hours per week
  • The Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations can help workers whose rights are violated

An employment lawyer who knows Hawaii workplace laws can guide you through solving these issues while protecting your job.

Dealing with break and overtime issues can create stress at work, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Understanding your rights and taking proper steps to protect them can help you maintain both your well-being and your job.

RSS Feed

Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed