What can you do if your employer fails to pay you properly?

HOUSTON – If you are employed, then you are probably always looking forward to pay day.

It is simple, honest pay for honest work.

But for some people, it doesn’t always work as simply as it should.

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Whether through wage theft or simply failing to pay employees on time, there are a number of problems that can come about when businesses fail to give employees the money they have earned through their hard work.

There are some options that people can take to make sure they get the money they are entitled to for their work.

1. Talk to your employer

Most of the time, pay discrepancies are the result of a simple mistake or misunderstanding on the part of the employer and can often be resolved by simply bringing the issue to their attention. This is the first step that should be taken before escalating the issue higher.

2. File a wage claim

The Texas Payday Law requires employers to pay their employees in full, on time, and on scheduled paydays. The law also tells how and when employers can pay wages. If an employee believes they are owed wages, they need to file a wage claim within 180 days from the original date the wages were supposed to be paid.

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The Payday Law applies to different types of payments, including:

• Compensation for services provided regardless of how they are calculated.
• Commissions and bonuses according to an agreement between the employee and employer.
• Certain fringe benefits required by the employer’s policy or through an agreement with the employer.

When you file a claim, be sure to include the following information:

• The claim must have detailed and complete information.
• There must be enough information to identify and contact your employer such as business name and address, phone number, and the address where you worked.
• You must list each type of unpaid wages and how you determined the amount due to you.
• You must give the dates you worked and were not paid.
• Your claim must be signed and have a completed declaration that the information is true and correct.

For more information on how to file a claim with the Texas Workforce Commission, click here.