Is there any legal action I can take for unpaid wages?
Question Details:
I was hired on, working with 2 other people, at a motel. Payday came and went nearly twice (weekly checks) before my boss, the self proclaimed "owner" was caught stealing from the trust company that actually ran it and was fired. Apparently he had no authorization to hire any of us or make any deals with regard to trading rooms for wages. Our agreement was for my work in exchange for a room (normal rate of $600 a month) and a $150 per week paycheck in exchange for my cleaning all the check outs and renovating the building. A similar deal was made with the person hired to run the front desk. Upon the unauthorized individual's dismissal, and everything being explained to the trust company, the person hired for the front desk was compensated but I was not. Is there any legal action I can take?
Yes, you have several theories you can sue, including violatings of federal and state wage laws, breach of contract, implied contract (unjust enrichment). If you want to get this over with quickly, see what the small claims jurisdictional limit in your state.
