We know them as the people who install cable television and internet in our homes.
While they may wear uniforms and drive vehicles with your cable companies’ logo, these cable and/or internet installers often work for another third party.
THE ISSUE
Shavitz Law Group has represented cable installers (also known as technicians or “techs”) throughout the United States. The techs often worked for third parties who contract with Comcast and/or DirectTV. These companies contract with third parties to install and repair cable and internet services. Unfortunately, many of these third parties choose to pay their installers “by the job” (also known as “piece rate’) and not by the hour, with no extra compensation for overtime.
The employer’s “piece rate” compensation plan does not take into account the number of hours actually worked. A violation occurs when employees work five or more days per week, usually well more than 8 hours per day, but do not receive overtime compensation.
Another violation involving cable installers is the improper classification of employees as “independent contractors.” This misclassification is designed to avoid the payment of overtime wages. The companies’ ultimate control over the cable installers’ work deems them employees entitled to overtime.
If you or someone you know is a cable installer being paid on a piece-rate basis, and have questions regarding your pay, contact us for a free consultation to learn more about your rights.