One of the most common reasons workers in Alexandria seek legal counsel is because they are not receiving their rightful pay from their employers. Whether the employer has neglected to pay them the minimum wage, their correct overtime rate, or payment related to commission rates, it is important that every individual receives the money they have earned. If this doesn’t occur, the individual has the right to hold the responsible party accountable.
Unpaid wages are a serious issue for employees, as they may be relying on these wages to pay their bills, take care of their family, and meet other financial obligations. If you work in Alexandria or the surrounding area and you are not receiving the wages you are owed, The Spiggle Law Firm’s Alexandria unpaid wages lawyers can help you recover the financial compensation you deserve.
Does Your Employer In Alexandria, Virginia Owe You Unpaid Wages?
Unpaid wages are any wages that an employee has earned but has not been paid by their employer. If you believe your employer owes you unpaid wages, the first step is to speak with an employment lawyer. Your lawyer can review your situation and determine if you have a valid claim for unpaid wages. If you do, your lawyer can help you file a claim with the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry or the federal Department of Labor.
In some cases, an employer may also fail to pay for the time that an employee has worked, such as for work done during meal breaks or time spent putting on or taking off protective gear. Virginia employers may also owe employees money for the following:
Underpaid Minimum Wage
The current minimum wage in Virginia is $12 per hour, but the state will be gradually increasing the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2026. This means that employers will be required to pay their employees at least the minimum wage for each hour worked as that rate is increasing. You may have a claim for unpaid wages if your employer is paying you less than the minimum wage or is not adequately raising the minimum wage each year.
Missing Overtime Pay
Under Virginia law, non-exempt employees who work more than 40 hours in a workweek are entitled to overtime pay of one and a half times their regular hourly rate. This means that if you make $20 per hour, your employer must pay you $30 an hour for each hour worked over 40 hours in a workweek. Employers who fail to pay the proper overtime rate can be held accountable for unpaid wages.
Unpaid Commissions and Bonuses
If your job involves earning commissions or bonuses, your employer must pay you these amounts as well. Your employer must pay you the commission or bonus according to the terms of your employment contract or agreement. If you have earned a commission or bonus and your employer has not paid you, you may have a claim for unpaid wages.
What Workers in Alexandria Should Know About Filing a Claim for Unpaid Wages
It is important to note that under Virginia law, your employer cannot retaliate against you for filing a claim for unpaid wages. This means that your employer cannot fire you, demote you, or take any other adverse action against you for asserting your legal rights. If your employer retaliates against you, you may have a claim for retaliation in addition to your claim for unpaid wages.
If you are not receiving the wages you are rightfully owed, it is important to take action. Virginia employees have legal rights when it comes to unpaid wages, and it’s important to assert those rights. In some cases, your Alexandria unpaid wages attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit against your employer. Our team at The Spiggle Law Firm can help you understand your legal options and guide you throughout every step of this process.
In addition to helping you to take legal action, an employment law lawyer can also help you to negotiate a settlement with your employer. When this option is available, it can be faster and less expensive than going to court, allowing you to receive your rightful wages more quickly.
Seek Legal Counsel If You Are Not Receiving Your Rightful Wages in Alexandria
At The Spiggle Law Firm, our team of Alexandria unpaid wages lawyers works diligently to protect workers like you from wrongful employment practices. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and will fight to make sure you get the pay you rightfully earned.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced Alexandria, Virginia unpaid wages lawyer. We will help you throughout the entire legal process and make sure you are treated with compassion and care. Call our Alexandria unpaid wages attorneys (202) 449-8527 now or fill out our contact form to get started.