It can be frustrating to learn that your employer has not paid you wages for hours or tasks that you worked. Georgia complies with the FLSA meaning that if your employer doesn’t pay you there are a few actions you can take. If you are missing wages obtain help from an Atlanta wage & hour law attorney today.
What is the FLSA?
The FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act) is a federal law that establishes laws regarding minimum wage, overtime, recordkeeping, child labor, and more. While many states implement their own labor laws in addition to the FLSA, Georgia simply abides by the rules outlined in the act. Under this law, employees are entitled to agreed-upon wages for hours worked. If an employer steals or withholds wages they can face legal repercussions.
What Actions Can I Take if My Worker Doesn’t Pay Me?
You are entitled to all of the wages that you have worked for and earned. If your employer has not paid you and is withholding wages you generally have two options.
- File a complaint with the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
- File a lawsuit
Filing a Complaint
If you wish to file a complaint you can do so on the U.S. Department of Labor website. First, gather information relevant to your complaint. This will include the following.
- Your name
- Your address and phone number
- The name of your company and employer
- The location of the company
- The phone number of the company
- Your manager’s or the owner’s name
- The nature of your work
- How you are paid and how often
- Copies of paystubs
- Records of hours worked
The above and other relevant information regarding your employer’s pay practices will prove beneficial during a case. Once you have gathered this information file a complaint online or call 1-866-487-9243. A representative will reach out to you to get a better understanding of the situation and determine whether an investigation is necessary.
If an investigation is launched and your employer’s illegal practices are uncovered the DOL can ensure you receive accurate payment of owed wages, settle your claim with your employer, or file a lawsuit on your behalf.
Filing a Lawsuit
Depending on your specific circumstances you may wish to skip the formal complaint process and jump straight into taking legal action against your employer. This may be your best course of action when attempting to procure unpaid bonuses or commissions as those types of wages are not covered under the FLSA.
Gather the same information listed above that is required to file a claim. The more detailed evidence you have the better your chances will be of winning your case. Contact an experienced employment lawyer to discuss your situation. Your attorney will help you understand the legal process as well as your rights. They can organize and present evidence proving your employer’s wage theft and advocate for compensation on your behalf.
