My sister works for a dry cleaner in Georgia. They force the employees to work past 4pm and refuse to pay them overtime. They have them clock out and then tell them they cannot leave until the work is completed. this has been going on for a while now. My sister has been afraid to say anything, for fear of loosing her job. Isn't this against the law? What can she do? I know they must owe her and the other employees money for forcing them to work without any overtime pay. Any help would really be appreciated. thanks

Yes, this is illegal. Your sister sister's recourse is to file a complaint with the state department of labor which will investigate and, more than likely, order back payment to the employees.

Actually, Marketeer, it being Georgia, the complaint would have to be filed with the federal DOL, since Georgia has no overtime laws of its own.

Also, we're assuming here that the company is subject to FLSA, i.e., gross revenues of over $500,000/yr OR conducting any interstate commerce.

You're right -- sorry about that. I was thinking of the large dry cleaning chains in my area. It is quite possible, unfortunately, that a small mom-and-pop shop doesn't have large enough sales.