What Are My Rights If My Employer Doesn’t Pay Me? A Guide for Massachusetts Employees
No one should have to worry about getting paid for their hard work, but wage disputes are unfortunately common. Whether it’s a delayed paycheck, unpaid overtime, or withheld wages, not receiving your earned compensation can create financial stress and frustration. At Gordon Law Group LLP, we are dedicated to helping employees in Boston and across Massachusetts understand their rights when employers fail to pay them. Here’s what you need to know if your employer isn’t paying you.
Understanding Wage Violations
Wage violations occur when an employer fails to pay an employee in accordance with the law. This can take many forms, including:
- Unpaid Wages: When an employer fails to pay regular wages or salary owed to an employee.
- Unpaid Overtime: If you work more than 40 hours per week and your employer doesn’t pay you time-and-a-half for overtime hours, this is a wage violation.
- Withheld Final Paycheck: If you’ve left your job, whether voluntarily or through termination, your employer is required to pay you any wages earned during your employment.
- Unpaid Commissions or Bonuses: Employers must also pay any commissions, bonuses, or incentive payments that you have earned, as long as they meet the criteria set out in your employment agreement.
In Massachusetts, wage violations are taken seriously, and there are laws in place to protect employees from unfair pay practices.
Your Rights Under Massachusetts Wage Laws
Massachusetts has some of the strongest wage and hour laws in the country. As an employee, you have the right to:
- Timely Payment of Wages: Under the Massachusetts Wage Act, employers must pay hourly employees at least once every week or bi-weekly. Salaried employees can be paid weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly. If you are terminated, your employer must pay all wages due on your last day of work. If you resign, you must be paid in full by the next regular payday.
- Overtime Pay: Most employees in Massachusetts are entitled to overtime pay at a rate of one-and-a-half times their regular hourly wage for any hours worked over 40 in a week.
- Protection Against Retaliation: It is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for asserting your right to receive fair pay. If you file a complaint or take legal action to recover your wages, your employer cannot legally punish you for it.
What Should You Do If Your Employer Isn’t Paying You?
If you believe your employer is not paying you properly, it’s important to take action quickly. Here are some steps you can follow:
- Document the Wage Violation: Keep detailed records of your hours worked, pay stubs, and any communication with your employer regarding unpaid wages. This evidence will be crucial if you decide to file a claim.
- Contact Your Employer: Start by reaching out to your employer’s HR department or management to address the issue. Sometimes, wage disputes arise from simple administrative errors that can be resolved quickly.
- File a Complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office: If your employer does not resolve the issue, you can file a wage complaint with the Fair Labor Division of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. The office will investigate your claim and can take action against employers who violate wage laws.
- Consult with an Employment Lawyer: If the issue remains unresolved or if you believe your employer is intentionally withholding wages, it’s time to speak with an experienced employment attorney. At Gordon Law Group LLP, we can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of recovering the pay you are owed.
How Gordon Law Group LLP Can Help
At Gordon Law Group LLP, we have extensive experience handling wage and hour disputes for employees in Boston and throughout Massachusetts. Our team is well-versed in Massachusetts wage laws and knows how to hold employers accountable when they fail to pay their workers fairly. Here’s how we can assist you:
- Free Consultation: We offer a free initial consultation to review your case and discuss your legal options.
- Evidence Collection and Case Building: We’ll help you gather the necessary evidence and build a strong case to support your claim.
- Aggressive Representation: We negotiate on your behalf to secure the wages you are owed. If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court to ensure your rights are protected.
Contact Gordon Law Group LLP Today
If your employer isn’t paying you what you’re owed, don’t wait to take action. Wage disputes can be complicated, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Contact Gordon Law Group LLP today at (800) 403-7755 or visit our website at www.gordonllp.com to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you recover the pay you’ve earned and hold your employer accountable.
