Is it legal to not get paid hours worked?

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Is it legal to not get paid hours worked?

I was employed by a school district. I was told over 2 1/2 months ago that we would lose our jobs 2 months later because the school board voted to sub-contract our jobs out. I continued to work for the school district until the new company took over but was surprised when I didn’t receive my normal check amount. I was told that because I didn’t work the entire fiscal year they weren’t obligated to pay me for the entire month I was due. I am confused because I didn’t quit basically they laid me off. Am I entitled to the money for the hours I worked?

Asked on April 27, 2017 under Employment Labor Law, Mississippi

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 6 years ago | Contributor

Yes, you must be paid for all work you actually did--not for future hours, of course (such as for days or hours in the month after you were laid for), but if you did work then you must be paid for it, regardless of how much or little you worked or would work during the year as a whole. If not paid for all hours worked, try contacting the state department of labor to file a wage and hour complaint--they may be able to help you get the money. Or you could sue (e.g. in small claims court) for the money, too.


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