I was working for my husbands step father and mother. I have worked for all my wages and did not get any pay? From 13 to 18 hours a day 7 days a week. (I was the only one who was running the store for 3 months) I was cooking on the grill all day, cleaning the whole store daily, restocking daily and doing the register all day. I sent off a wage claim form and they sent me a letter and they told me that there is a chance of not collecting any from the employer. I need help because this is the first time that I had anything to do with this kind of stuff!!!
2007-11-06 01:28:38 · 7 answers · asked by unlimitedkatherine 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Why did you continue to work for someone who wasn't paying you? Did you have any sort of written work agreement? Perhaps, as this was 'family', they thought you were just 'helping' out.
2007-11-06 01:32:18 · answer #1 · answered by Snoopy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds to me like that is standard language in all their letters in which they say that although they're looking into it, it is possible they may not be able to collect anything for you.
Did you keep time records? Did you fill out initial paperwork, such as W-4? Did they ever report your wages to the IRS on a quarterly basis? If not, then it might be really hard to prove the hours you put in.
Or, did they promise you a share of the business based on your "sweat equity" (you get a part of the business for your work). If it is the latter agreement, then you don't have any wages coming to you. But you may have a lawsuit for part of the business.
You may want to consult an attorney that specializes in wage claims, especially if you are in the States. Successful wage claims are awarded with attorney's fees and generally attorneys take the cases on a contingency (which means no money from you).
** Note: This is a general discussion of the subject matter of your question and not legal advice. Local laws or your particular situation may change the general rules. For a specific answer to your question you should consult legal counsel with whom you can discuss all the facts of your case. **
2007-11-06 09:43:20 · answer #2 · answered by scottclear 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Were you actually an employee or did you fill in at a family owned store as a favor?
At the minimum, you MAY have a small claims case but without proof that you were an employee and more facts to support your claim, all you have now is a volunteer situation.
2007-11-06 09:37:59 · answer #3 · answered by hexeliebe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
although you were working for them, were you actually hired? im not sure, but they could claim that you weren't ever hired, you were just helping out a family member. if you were hired, then yes you most definitly can collect wages. contact an attorney, (most offer a free initial consultation), and ask them what your options are. the other thing you could do is contact the irs and let them know what is going on. question--- if you were there for three months, and weren't getting paid,why did you continue to work for them?
2007-11-06 09:38:21 · answer #4 · answered by bluntdrgn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to consult with an attorney. If you can't afford one, try going to legal aid. If you don't qualify for wages, you still may be able to sue them if they are not willing to pay you. Good Luck!!
2007-11-06 09:34:50 · answer #5 · answered by Al B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to do some checking, but in the past it was legal Not to pay a relative for work performed.
2007-11-06 09:37:54 · answer #6 · answered by Jan Luv 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
call Labor & Industries.
2007-11-06 09:33:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋