Legal Question in Employment Law in Virginia

Back Pay

I've been working with a small technology firm for 2 years as of this Thursday. I really enjoy what I do, my work enviornment, and my coworkers. In the past they've occasionally been late in paying me, but it has never been too big a deal.

Now it seems to be a real problem, they only pay us monthly and it's been a couple of months since I've gotten my last paycheck. In fact, the company owes me over $11,000 worth of back pay and unpaid expenses (before taxes). Ouch!

What are my options? What are my chances of getting fired if I persue legal action (and do I really care? Ok... I think I can tackle that one on my own).

Thanks,

Blake


Asked on 1/08/02, 6:37 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Back Pay

Your options would appear to be:

a. Continue to do what you've been doing

(which is nothing, apparently), and hope,

that eventually you'll be paid, at least

something of what's owed you.

b. Go to your supervisor or the manager of

the company and find out what's going on- and in particular when you can expect to

receive all of your outstanding compensa-

tion.

c. File a complaint with the Labor and

Employment Law Division of the Depart-

ment of Labor and Industry(DOLI),which

will investigate your claim and assist

in collecting any unpaid wages which

are owed to you.

The latter two options, obviously, could

have consequences that could result in your

leaving your happy work environment. But,

c'mon, no paycheck for several months, and

$11,000.00, or so owed in back pay? I think

it's time for a reality check on your part.

Read more
Answered on 1/08/02, 10:25 am


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