Legal Question in Employment Law in Washington

unpaid wages

I worked for a roofing outfit for three yrs[without a raise]. the owner of the company would go over time cards each week prior to turning them over to the bookeeper. while going through each time card, he would adjust the time on each card by scratching out actual time to what he figured that task should have taken.He has scratched out hundreds of hours off my time sheets alone. who should i talk to and whatforms or whatever do i need?


Asked on 10/09/04, 4:47 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Gary Preble Preble Law Firm, P.S.

Re: unpaid wages

I would suggest you contact an attorney. You may review the applicable laws in RCW 49.48 and RCW 49.52. They can be found at http://www.leg.wa.gov/RCW/index.cfm?fuseaction=chapterdigest&chapter=49.48 and http://www.leg.wa.gov/RCW/index.cfm?fuseaction=chapterdigest&chapter=49.52. Those laws require the other side to pay your attorney fees if you win.

You may have a problem collecting due to the statute of limitations. If you had a written employment contract, you have 6 years to file a suit; otherwise it would be 3 years.

You will additionally have a proof problem. Do you have copies of the time cards you filled out? Do you have other witnesses besides your own testimony?

Finally you will note that the employer's acts may constitute a crime.

Read more
Answered on 10/09/04, 4:47 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Labor and Employment Law questions and answers in Washington