Having a job and some sense of financial security is one of the most important things in an individual’s life. However, not all of us are lucky enough to have a well-rounded employer that regularly meets their financial obligations and commitments.
There are many cases of businesses that refuse to pay their staff for working overtime and simply try to deduct money from the wages they were promised. In this day and age, there is no need to stand for this type of behaviour. However, it’s also natural that you seek to recover the money that is rightfully yours.
In this blog, we’ll be evaluating what you should do when your employer falls short on their promises and responsibilities. Here is what you need to do when dealing with unpaid wages…
Review Your Contract
First things first, you’ll need to review your contract and see what financial commitments your employer signed off on. For example, if there is no contractual agreement for your employer to pay you a signing bonus, although they agreed to this verbally, you may not have much of a say in the matter.
Track Your Hours
Once you’ve reviewed your contract with attention to detail, it’s time to decipher where those missing wages are coming from. Make sure to track all of the hours you have worked and make a note of any overtime you may have done. Keeping a record of your time management will help you build a claim in the future.
Open up a Conversation
Before you get into the nitty gritty, strike up an open conversation with your employer. Resolving the issue of unpaid wages doesn’t have to be as complicated as it seems. It could simply boil down to an administrative error and the best employers will always do everything in their power to rectify their mistakes.
Get Legal Help
If you feel like you aren’t advancing when it comes to opening a dialogue with your employer, it may be a sign that you need to take things further and speak to a legal professional. HKM Employment Attorneys can help you file a formal complaint and investigate your circumstances to see whether you have a viable case.
Keep it Professional
Navigating financial hardship in the workplace can be an unpleasant experience. On one hand, you may not want to anger your employer. On the other hand, you should always fight for what is rightfully yours. No matter what route you decide to take, it’s important that you keep it as professional as possible. Even if your employer is behaving irrationally, you must never stoop to their level.
Hopefully, this guide can help you understand the nuances of dealing with unpaid wages and guide you in the right direction. If you’re seriously struggling, don’t hesitate to speak to a legal professional that can help you build a case. Many lawyers will offer a free consultation session, which can help you determine whether you can make a claim before proceeding to pay any legal fees.