What Can I Do if My Employer is Not Paying Me the Wages I am Owed?
You work hard for your money. Under both Pennsylvania law and federal law, employers have a legal responsibility to pay wages in a timely manner. If they fail to do so, they can be held accountable. Workers have rights, and they have legal options. Here, our Hershey employment attorney explains the steps that you should take if your employer is not paying you the correct wages.
Know the Law: Pennsylvania Wage Payment and Collection Law (WPCL)
Under the Pennsylvania Wage Payment and Collection Law (WPCL), employers must pay employees on their regular day of pay. Even a single day of delay in pay is a wage and hour violation under the WPCL. In other words, if your employer in Hershey or elsewhere in Pennsylvania did not pay your wages on time, then that means that your rights were violated. You have the right to seek the full value of your owed wages. Further, the WPCL allows you to seek the recovery of liquidated damages of up to 25 percent of your unpaid/delayed wages and full attorney’s fees.
What to Do if Your Wages are Late in Pennsylvania
Step #1: Document the Missed or Late Payment
Documentation is key to any successful wage and hour claim in Pennsylvania. You should start by gathering all records related to the missed payment, including pay stubs, timecards, employment contracts, emails, and written communication. You should also keep a timeline of when payment was due and when (or if) it was received. Accurate documentation will support your claim.
Step #2: Notify Your Employer of the Violation in Writing
Mistakes do happen. You should always notify your employer of the problem right away. Reach out to your employer or payroll department in writing to formally notify them of the issue. In doing so, you should clearly state that you have not been paid on time, provide relevant dates, and request immediate payment. You should also keep a copy of the communication for your records.
Step #3: Consult With a Wage and Hour Lawyer in Pennsylvania
Professional legal representation can make the difference in a complex claim. You do not have to take on an employer alone. A top-tier Pennsylvania wage and hour attorney can review your case, answer your questions, investigate the violation, and help you take action to secure the absolute maximum compensation for your unpaid and/or delayed wages.
Speak to Our Hershey Wage and Hour Claims Attorney Today
At Morcom Law, our Hershey wage and hour lawyer has the skills and experience to protect your rights. If your employer failed to pay you your full and fair wages in a timely manner, we are here as a resource that you can trust. Please call us at 717-921-1422 or contact us online to arrange your fully confidential case review. We provide wage and hour representation in Hershey and throughout the region in Central Pennsylvania.
