How can a worker in Lubbock check for missing wages?

Lubbock, TX – Unpaid wages and wage theft are common issues that result in lost money for workers in Texas and the rest of the United States. Employees have a right to be paid properly, and they can bring the issue to the attention of their employer and get legal help if it is still not resolved internally. The employer will ultimately have to pay any legitimately earned wages that were missing from the worker’s paychecks.  

Checking deductions

Pay statements will include some legitimate deductions for taxes, social security, and a few other things. However, some employers deduct items from a worker’s pay that are not legitimate. This should be reviewed with the company’s payroll or accounting department. The affected worker can also ask for professional advice from someone outside of the company, such as an attorney or other person with a background in payroll issues to see which deductions are allowed by law. 

Unpaid tips or issues with workers who receive tips

Employers are not allowed to keep a worker’s tips, and their wages must still meet the state minimum wage for all hours worked. A person who receives tips as most or all of their wages should check to see that they receive all of their earned tips, as well as making sure that their pay is also at or above minimum wage regardless of the amount of tips they receive during any shift. 

Wrong employee classification

A worker may be told they are an independent contractor, salaried worker, or other improper classification as a way for the employer to avoid overtime pay and certain other benefits. There are some exceptions, but most workers should be paid at an hourly rate, and they are eligible for overtime. The worker should also check the definition of a work week, to ensure that the employer is factoring the possibility of overtime into any seven day consecutive period. 

Unpaid work

Some workplaces regularly ask workers to do certain things before or after ending their shift. Any work that is done at the employer’s direction needs to be compensated at the appropriate rate. The employer is not allowed to make excuses such as the work being done as a favor, and the worker is entitled to be paid regardless of the employer’s reasoning behind any tasks. The employer is absolutely not supposed to expect that the worker will labor without being paid.  

Help with labor law problems

Workers in the Lubbock area who need assistance from a licensed lawyer can contact Moore and Associates. The firm is a trusted resource for workers who need help with illegal actions by an employer. 

Firm contact info:

Moore & Associates

440 Louisiana Street, Suite 675, Houston, TX 77002

713-222-6775

www.mooreandassociates.net