Legal Question in Employment Law in Maryland

Unpaid work

I worked 1 week for a IT contractor and never got paid. He has verbally promised to pay me but never has. I found my replacement worker for him and he has been paid 2 times. Now he won't return my calls. I only worked the one week so he could do a background check and hire the other man. I got a better job offerbefore I signed or accepted this job. He knew before my first day that it was only for one week. He begged me to do it so he would not loose the contract with the company. I have a signed Task Order with my rate of pay from him that says Payment: Net 30 after receiveing the invoice and correct INE monthly timesheet. This was done my last day of work on April 9,2004. If I hire an attorney will and he pays me before then can I make him pay my legal fees too?


Asked on 6/14/04, 9:42 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lawrence Holzman Holzman Law Firm, LLC

Re: Unpaid work

Federal and State Law both govern the payment of wages. Both require payment "as and when due" and provide penalties for failure to pay wages. With a one-week issue, it may not be economical to retain legal counsel. However, you may also be able to make a complaint with the Maryland Dept of Labor & Licensing (DLLR), Employment Standars Service, which has responsibility for ensuring compliance with Maryland Wage law. Typically, a complaint with DLLR will get an employer's attention so that the wages are paid. For more info, see the DLLR web site at http://www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/wagepay/wagepay.htm -- which has a complete summary of MD wage payment issue and remedies.

Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions. Larry Holzman

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Answered on 6/15/04, 3:50 pm


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