The manufacturing industry encompasses a wide range of companies, including food, textile, chemical, electrical equipment, furniture and machinery. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this industry employed 11,970 workers as of August 2012. On average, these workers earned $19.17 per hour and their weekly schedules went into overtime by and an hour-and-a-half.

Even if non-exempt employees aren't compensated at an hourly rate, and instead receive wages based on the number of tasks they perform, they are owed minimum wage for all of their time and attendance as well as overtime premiums for work exceeding 40 hours. Moreover, workers that are paid on a salary basis aren't necessarily exempt from those labor rights. To qualify for an exemption from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employees must meet very strict criteria regarding their positions and job functions as administrative, executive or professional workers.

According to the FLSA, employers in the manufacturing industry often fail to calculate all hours worked, which can lead to violations and back pay. Time spent cleaning, oiling or greasing machines before a shift begins or after it ends is considered compensable by the Department of Labor.

To avoid these violations, employers can familiarize themselves with the FLSA and invest in the proper timekeeping systems.

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