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When you begin a new job, you’re informed of all pertinent information. This includes your salary, how your position is classified, and how often you will get paid. As you progress into your job, you may notice that your paychecks aren’t arriving when they’re supposed to or that you’re receiving compensation for less than the hours you worked. Unfortunately, employers withholding wages is not uncommon, as they often get away with it because employees are afraid of retaliation or termination. However, you don’t have to suffer the effects of wage theft. A Providence, Rhode Island wage & hour lawyer is ready to help fight for you. Keep reading to learn more.
Signs Your Employer Is Withholding Wages
Many employees assume that withholding wages is simply refusing to hand over a paycheck or deposit money into a bank account. However, wage theft comes in various forms, so some may not be familiar with the signs that an employer is committing withholding wages.
Some signs you may be a victim of wage theft include the following:
- Your paycheck is continually lower than what you earned
- You are required to work off the clock
- You never received your final paycheck
- Your employer doesn’t reimburse you for items you purchased for them or the workplace
Even if you are fired for misconduct, your employer cannot withhold your last paycheck as a form of retaliation or punishment.
Steps to Take if You Are a Victim
When starting a job, one of the most essential things to do is to keep all employment documents and agreements. These are crucial to ensure you have documentation of your salary or hourly earnings.
If you notice a discrepancy with your paycheck, you’ll want to try to work things out with your employer directly. This is the best-case scenario situation, as it helps avoid escalation. However, your employer may give you a hard time or disagree with your claims. If this is the case, you can talk to the human resources department at your job, as they should be able to handle any disputes.
You should document all hours worked and any conversations you have with your employer about your wages. This can be beneficial later.
When You Need to Contact a Lawyer
If your company is not helping to ensure you are paid correctly for the work you are completing, it may be time to take legal action. A lawyer can help assess the case and examine the evidence to guide you through the legal process of receiving the wages you are rightfully owed.
When your company refuses to pay you the money you are entitled to, we can help. At the Herman Law Group, we are dedicated to ensuring you receive compensation for the hours you’ve worked. Reach out today to discuss the details of your case and learn how we can help.