Can you imagine going to work and completing a shift, only to find that the shift isn't included on your next paycheck? You might think that it was a mistake, but if two paychecks pass, and you still don't see the hours you're missing, it's time to speak with your boss. Wage and hour violations can and do happen, especially with overtime. Sometimes, the reality is that a few hours might get dropped here or there with the hopes that the employees aren't tracking how much they've worked.
Your boss might hope to save a few hundred dollars, or more, every month by shorting your hours, even if it doesn't seem to add up to much at once. Take this for example. If you're paid $15 an hour and work 45 hours one week, you should be paid at least $15 per hour for up to 40 hours and may be paid time-and-a-half for the next five hours. Now, suppose that your boss changes your paid breaks to unpaid breaks without your knowledge, removing the hours from your schedule. Over the course of the week, you might lose three or four hours from your 45-hour week.
Now, you may only get $15 an hour for your normal hours and one hour of overtime (or even less in some cases). Some employers might argue that with no approval, you can't work overtime. However, if you've completed the hours, then it's essential that you're paid appropriately for your work. If you're there for overtime, you should be paid accordingly, and your attorney can help you seek those funds.