What to do about unpaid wages?

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What to do about unpaid wages?

I was hired by a company 6 weeks ago the term of my employment was $700 per week and 10% commisions on all sales. Have not been paid. For the last 2 weeks my boss has promised to get me my pay but every time he is suppose to get me money, he doesn’t show or gives me some sob story. What options do I have at this time?

Asked on April 11, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, Michigan

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

You have an absolute right to be paid for work you did, at the agreed upon compensation. If your employer does not pay you, one option is to sue him for the money; another option is to contact  your state department of labor and file a complaint. Filing a complaint is free, but the department of labor has discretion which complaints to act on and when--you may not get action, or at least not quickly. Suing puts the ball in your court and lets you control what is being done. You could potentially sue in small claims court, acting as your own attorney, saving on legal fees.

Note that the employer is claiming to not have money, it could be either that the business is failing or that someone is embezzling from it. In either of those events, if you wait to long, the business may close and all assets be disappated, leaving you no way to recover your money.


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