Might Get Fired-If I Do The Right Thing

[Guest NoWhere]

Sangat Ji I have a problem that I want to put before the sangat and get there views. I work for a punjabi business He owns alot of businesses and most of the employees are punjabi and what i want to ask is that when you work over 8 hours your suppose to get overtime so if i get paid $8 an hour. then i work 10 hours one day i will get 2 hours in overtime so that will be $24 dollars on the overtime. The problem is he is not paying us the overtime money but giving us just $8 an hour for overtime. When he is suppose to give $12 an hour for overtime. and i know that is illegal and i don't know what to do.

[dalsingh101]

Panjabi businesses can be stingy like that. Try finding someplace else if you're unhappy with the current arrangement.

[Guest NoWhere]

Panjabi businesses can be stingy like that. Try finding someplace else if you're unhappy with the current arrangement.

But ive been working there for more then a year and i have lost alot of money by not getting paid. Also all the other 20 to 30 people also haven't gotten there overtime money either.

[Tera]

Talk to the other workers and if everyone is unhappy then all get together and go talk to the management. They are much more likely to take action and not get fired if all go as a group rather than someone going in on their own.

[dalsingh101]

But ive been working there for more then a year and i have lost alot of money by not getting paid. Also all the other 20 to 30 people also haven't gotten there overtime money either.

In future don't do overtime also.

I've worked for Panjabi firms too in the past, they don't run things like goray firms. They are a lot more slack.

Plus seeing as they usually have hordes of freshies who would be willing to do the job for peanuts, it's an employer's market.

[guptkuri]

this is sad...the first thought that came to mind was I hope he is not talking about my dad's business. lol

But anyhow, I don't know about where you work but here, the employee is paid by his value. Like if an employee complains alot and doesn't do much work, he is paid the lowest and is the first to be replaced. Then there are employees that go above and beyond and put more effort then others, so they get more money. so, If you really want a raise, make yourself irreplaceable and then walk away. Then watch your employer run after you with better hours and more money.

Also, what country you live in? And how do you get paid (like hourly, weekly, biweekly, monthly?)? I ask because those 2 things can play major roles on if you can do something or not about not being paid right.

[gurdssingh]

Umh no its not illegal depends on your contract. Also other incentives such as days in lieu etc. If on salary you dont get overtime pay. Also in uk you have eu directive on hours worked, which most make you to opt out of when signing contracts. Otherwise they give job to someone else. Be thankful your working.

[Guest NoWhere]

this is sad...the first thought that came to mind was I hope he is not talking about my dad's business. lol

But anyhow, I don't know about where you work but here, the employee is paid by his value. Like if an employee complains alot and doesn't do much work, he is paid the lowest and is the first to be replaced. Then there are employees that go above and beyond and put more effort then others, so they get more money. so, If you really want a raise, make yourself irreplaceable and then walk away. Then watch your employer run after you with better hours and more money.

Also, what country you live in? And how do you get paid (like hourly, weekly, biweekly, monthly?)? I ask because those 2 things can play major roles on if you can do something or not about not being paid right.

I live in USA and get paid every two weeks.

[Wales85]

Get as much documentation as you can. Call this number if you want. I would just contact an attorney.

Employee Rights

Employees may find out how to file a complaint by contacting the local Wage and Hour Division office, or by calling the program's toll-free help line at 1-866-4USWAGE (1-866-487-9243). In addition, an employee may file a private suit, generally for the previous two years of back pay (three years in the case of a willful violation) and an equal amount as liquidated damages, plus attorney's fees and court costs.

It is a violation of the Act to fire or in any other manner discriminate against an employee for filing a complaint or for participating in a legal proceeding under the Act.

If he fires you without ample documented reason that he will have to bring before court, can can take him to the cleaners. I suggest recording conversations, and make sure you get all the copies you can of your work records without arousing suspicion. I like to use my iphone (there is an app). I know desi people are nervous about doing stuff like this, but this isn't the punjab and you do not need to worry about retribution as much. Corruption like this can be handled in the states, and if you get a good attorney you can wreak hell on him and he can't do anything without risking another lawsuit. If you are unsure of the attorney try to find one with a jewish last name. :-)