Hi,
I had been working for this guy as a personal assistant from December '06 up until the middle of May, at which time I had to leave to go home. At the end of my time there, he had gone on vacation and asked me to watch his house and dog for four days while he was away at a conference. I had to leave to go home on Saturday evening, and he didn't arrive home until Sunday afternoon, so we missed each other. He had told me that he would pay me when he got back, but it's been a long time -- almost a month now -- and I have yet to receive my final paycheck!! He had paid me twice before, at time increments that worked for both of us. He had to be reminded a few times to pay me. This time, I've sent two or three emails and have called a few times. The last email he responded to was about a week or two ago; I had sent him my hours and he told me he would take care of it. Now he hasn't answered my emails or phone calls for a few days now, which is strange because he is always on his computer, and he always has his cell phone on him. I can't exactly go to his house because he lives 4 hours away. My mom keeps telling me to let it go, but we're talking $200+ here, and I am NOT one to give up so easily. Does anyone have advice?
Thanks!
Single Dress
wow that really sucks. have you tried calling him from a number he wouldn't recognize? he might pick up then.
if not, i would try sending another email, this time saying that you would appreciate him calling you back by X date (no more than a week) and say that if you do not hear from him then, you will be speaking to a lawyer about this matter. Emphasize that you REALLY don't want it to get to that point but it has been a month and you would appreciate your check.
If that STILL doesn't get his attention, then get yourself a labor relations attorney (a lot of them offer free consultations) and have him contact your boss. I doubt it will get that far but the threat of one will probably spring him into action. Remember, be really polite but FIRM about this and follow through with what you say.
good luck! it's your money and you worked for it and you are entitled to every penny! also, if you drove 4 hours to get there, shouldn't he compensate you for that too??? keep me updated!
1I think it is a big deal that you have not been paid. It’s June 2007! Did you have a contract or signed agreement with him for your work? Timesheets or any form of document you have proving you worked those hours? You might want to keep those handy.
First I would write a letter to him and send it certified mail telling him you expect payment 14 days after receiving the letter with a self addressed stamped envelope. Explain the letter how many times you have tried to contact him and if you do not receive payment within your timeline you will be forced to take further action. You don’t have to tell him you are going to get a lawyer or contact the Better Business Bureaus. Just tell him you will be forced to take further action.
If you do not receive payment within that period, then I would start going up the chain of command in his company.
2However, if he was a one man show, I would go with what Nicachica said and speak to a local labor relations attorney in your area. They will be able to point you in the direction you need to go. Stand your ground and you will get your money.
p.s Some people are cheap cheap cheap cheap and will try to avoid paying everything at all costs. He may have an excuse for why he has not paid you, we have all been tight on money once or twice in our lives. But he could have tried to work something out where he paid you on a weekly basis.
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