Employers may pay weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or semi-monthly. Many states set their own laws that indicate when an employee must be paid. If you are not paid on time, laws are violated, and you are facing a financial bind. If you have experienced a late paycheck as a carpenter, you may be able to pursue a wage theft claim against your employer.
Late Paycheck Laws
You should familiarize yourself with the paycheck laws in your state. Also, keep your employee contract, employee handbook, and any other supporting documentation.
As an example, payday laws in Arizona indicate that paychecks must be distributed two or more days a month with no more than 16 days between paychecks. Connecticut paycheck laws require weekly paychecks, but longer intervals are allowed with the labor commissioner’s permission.
Payday laws in California and Michigan say that the pay date should depend on the specific occupation. According to paycheck laws in Minnesota, employees must be paid at least once every 31 days any earnings, gratuities, and salaries, but commissions must be paid at least one time every three months on a regular payday.
If you are not paid on your regular payday, you should address the matter promptly before your pay checks get too far behind. You have a limited amount of time to pursue a claim after you have suffered wage theft. You do not want to miss your opportunity to recoup your losses.
Steps To Take When Your Paycheck Is Late As A Carpenter
When payday rolls around, you are probably anxious about receiving your paycheck. Whether you get a physical paper check, or your pay is direct deposited, if it is not available to you on your regular payday, you may find yourself concerned. If you are a carpenter who is not paid on time, you will need to act promptly.
Your first step is to speak with your employer – either a supervisor or your company’s human resources department – about your paycheck and why it was not received. Your employer may be a construction company, manufacturing facility, or so forth who needs carpenters to take care of projects.
It could have been an oversight, or it could have a clerical error. If it was an honest mistake, your employer will work to ensure the problem is promptly addressed. If the issue doesn’t get handled, then you will need to file a formal complaint with the state’s Wage and Hour Division. They will work to ensure that the problem is handled properly.
You may not be the only employee who was not paid on time, and this could be a recurring pattern with this employer. They will work to make sure that the matter is resolved, and they will make sure that your employer is aware of the repercussions that they can face for failing to pay workers in a timely manner.
You will need to make sure all your supporting documentation, including the employee handbook, employment contract, and other documentation is available for review. This evidence can support your claim and help you show that you were not paid in a timely manner and that your employer has violated the applicable employment laws.
Find Help
If you are a carpenter who was not paid in a timely manner, you do have resources available and there are laws that protect you. An attorney who handles wage theft cases will be familiar with the state and federal employment laws that apply to your situation.
An attorney may help you get your claim underway quickly and efficiently. An attorney may understand the best way to proceed and will gather the supporting evidence and documentation your claim requires.
Discuss payment options with your employment law attorney because some lawyers work on a contingency basis while others will require a retainer to be paid in advance.
There is a limited timeframe for pursuing a claim, so complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to share the details surrounding not being paid on time as a carpenter with an employment lawyer who handles such claims in your area.
