What can I do to an employer that won't pay me?

Question

I worked for them for 6 weeks and according to what they told me I was doing a good job. They kept making excuses for why I wasn't getting a paycheck from them. Last night I was supposed to get a direct deposit as I was 2 weeks ago. I asked my boss in email and cc: the accountant why I haven't been paid anything at all after 6 weeks. He said in another week I'd get paid. I wrote back very politely that I had been there for 6 weeks, received no pay yet, and on top of that I have loaned the company money when they sent me to buy computer memory and told me to pay and expense it, so for my 6 weeks of effort I am -$250 right now. The accountant complained to the owner that I was asking for my money and he was having a bad day or whatever and said I'm fired. I passed up some other good opportunities to take this job.

I live in WI which is an employment at will state, but aren't I entitled to some sort of compensation beyond whatever I should have gotted paid for the hours I worked?

Answer 1

sue

Answer 2

Hi Jason:

So sorry to hear this has happened to you.

Be mindful that by law employers MUST pay their employees for the time they have worked.

If you have worked and your employer has not paid you, I believe you should contact the Department of Labor to find out what the laws are in your state.

Here is the link to find a local office in your state:
http://www.dol.gov/

If you also paid for something at your expense by all means you are entitled to that too.

The employment at will clause does not interrelate with being paid. It is a binding clause that an Employer can legally fire an employee for any or no reason at all (this also includes with out without notice too).

See these links:
http://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/laborlaws/l/aa092402.htm
http://www.laborlaws.com/block4/item414/

Also it would be a good idea to contact an attorney for legal advice on this matter as well.

I hope all works out for you. Be prepared to fight for what you deserve.

God Bless......

Answer 3

my information is california specific.
the laws on east coast are pro emloyer, and as you move west they become pro employee.
i would say that wis would be more pro employee because of its traditional liberal ideas.
section 201 of ca labor code states that "wages continue ot accrue as earned for 30 days or until paid.
this is referrring ot a bounced check, but has been held that it also applies to un paid labor.
if you have have similar stats in wi, then you are owed 1+ 4.3 weeks for the first week, 1+ 4.3 for the second, 1 + 3.2 weeks for the third,.....and your out of pocket.
look in the state government section of phone book for a labor department or similar.
for the same info call a local union, get the name of their attorney, and call the atty.
unions notoriously have mad dog attorneys.
good luck/

Answer 4

Send them a registered letter demanding payment of your past due wages within 3 business days or you will file a complaint with the states attorney generals office and or file a claim in small claims court.

Answer 5

threaten to get a lawyer, thatll get you your money real quick, especially if you are hispanic,or of non white race...........