I am a student but I do freelance translating on the side. I worked on this book for a long time (about 8 months) and when it was over, they paid me but still owe me $300. I could really use this money! Plus they OWE me! I keep asking for it and threatening things but I don't know what I can legally do. Is contacting the publisher of the book a good idea? What would I say? Thanks so much!
2006-12-26 13:43:41 · 10 answers · asked by Nicole83 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
While I do not know the reason(s) why you were short-changed on recieving your full compensation and am certainly no lawyer, getting paid for work done is legally right and important (especially the realms of freelance work ...).
Begin by revisiting your initial written contract. Did you complete the work as agreed upon? Did you fulfill all the expectations as laid out?
Personally, I see little good with threatening your former employer nor contacting the book publisher. Instead of trying to bully for the money, ask for the reason(s) why you did not recieve full payment. It would be best to forward this request to company management in writing and to keep a copy for yourself. Was there simply a misunderstanding or miscommunication? Was there work that you had missed and could easily correct? Be insistent and persistent yet remain professional.
If all else fails, pursue this company in Small Claims Court. If you have never been to court before, expect this process to take some time and be TOTALLY prepared. Visit your local courthouse, file a complaint against the company, collect the necessary paperwork and serve a copy to your previous employer. You can sue for your owed $300.00 plus any accrued court costs. Having been through this process many years ago, I seem to recall that a response must be provided within a certain number of days (check with the courthouse about this).
If payment is not received, a court day will be assigned at some future date. At that time, bring along copies of whatever you have - all agreements made, dates of attempted contact, your previous payment cheque, your recently-written letter requesting answers, etc. Written documentation will provide proof in your favour. Dress well and always present yourself professionally before a judge.
Keep in mind that even going through Small Claims Court may not bring an end to this matter ... in suing a previous employer (for providing me an NSF paycheque ...), I still had to collect my own judgement. As this company closed and my employer then disappeared to parts unknown, I am still out this money to this date.
2006-12-26 14:45:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok, your employer is in the mire on several counts here: 1. You must have written terms and conditions of employment within 8 weeks of starting. Failure to do this can be addressed at an ET. 2. Not to deduct tax and NIC or to give paylsips is an offence which needs to be reported to HMRC. 3. If he wants to dismiss yu, he needs to go through a formal process and not to do so is also an offence for an ET to deal with. 4. It looks as if he failed to pay sick pay as well. 5. Witholding wages is unlawful dedcution from wages which is also an ET matter. On no account go for a meeting with the solicitor but take advice on putting in an ET claim - there is plenty here to get him to think about.
2016-05-23 09:21:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you have a contract or written agreement for the translation?
You can take them to small claims court to recover the $300-
If contacting the publisher will get your money and not hurt you professionally, then you should contact them.
2006-12-26 13:53:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can take them to small claims court. Unless you have some kind of a contract though, you won't have much in your favor because they can deny how much you agreed on. It's always best to have things written so later there will be proof (nice lesson for next time). Good luck.
2006-12-26 13:53:03 · answer #4 · answered by HomeBody 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Small Claims Court-sue for your money plus legal fees with interest.
2006-12-26 13:48:46 · answer #5 · answered by scottyurb 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Take them to small claims court. By federal law they are required to pay you what they owe you.
2006-12-26 17:59:03 · answer #6 · answered by Kikyo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact the EEOC and file a formal complaint, they should be able to tell you what office to contact at the employment office.
2006-12-26 17:51:54 · answer #7 · answered by Angelz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Easy, sue them for not paying the money they owe you. Simpily you haft to get EVIDENCE, PROOF, SUE!
2006-12-26 13:53:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find out where your emploter lives and trash his place. Then spread gasonline everywhere and like that mother f***er on fire.
2006-12-26 14:09:38 · answer #9 · answered by Kyle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can you prove that they owe you?
2006-12-26 14:20:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋