Though the stereotype of pizza delivery driver is a young man in college or high school, the truth is that people of all backgrounds, genders, and ages can choose to make a living in this way. Another truth is that these employees are often not treated fairly by their employers. Keep reading to learn how pizza delivery drivers can be cheated out of wages. If you have a wage dispute, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
Paying for Their Own Vehicle Repairs
If a person is using their own car to deliver pizzas, then their employer is required by law to compensation them for certain expenses. For example, drivers for Pizza Hut sued the company for not paying minimum wage and for not paying enough to cover the wear and tear on their vehicles.
Not Being Compensated for Their Gas
It is the law that if a person has to use their own care for deliveries, their employer reimburses them for the miles they drive. In most cases, a business will follow the IRS business standard for gas, which is $0.58 per mile.
Being Asked to Do Other Jobs
A driver likely does not make the same amount of money as a casher does. Why? Because the driver is expected to get tips. If it is slow and the manager asks the driver to cover for a casher, then that driver should be compensated for doing so. If they are only paid the rate of a driver, then they are being cheated out of their normal wage.
Making Less Than Minimum Wage
The minimum wage for tipped employees is much less than for other employees. However, the law states that if the tipped employee does not make at least regular minimum wage when tips are accounted for, then their employer is required to pay the difference. Sadly, they often do not. If you have a slow night or are tipped poorly then you should be able to tell your boss and be paid the difference. If you are not, then you have grounds for a wage dispute.
Being Asked to Work Off the Clock
It is illegal for your employer to require you to work before you clock in for your shift or after you clock out. It doesn’t matter if the job is cleaning up, getting boxes ready for delivery, etc. If you are doing work for your job then your employer is required by law to pay you.
Do you have questions about your employment rights? Contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000. We are here for a free legal consultation to help you understand your rights.
