Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers helps workers in Tacoma when their rights are violated. Every worker has the right to be paid fairly, including in situations where they’re traveling. Unfortunately, employers will sometimes try to get around this law and not pay you what you’re owed. This puts you and your family in a tough situation, but we can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Should You Get a Lawyer For Unpaid Travel Time?

A situation where you’re not being paid correctly is pretty frustrating. While it can leave you feeling helpless–and struggling financially–you do have options. But whether or not you need to get a lawyer depends on your situation. Here’s how we can help you and make what you need to do more clear:

  • Clarifying the law – We explain your rights and how Washingtob’s wage laws apply to your case.
  • Gathering evidence – We collect pay stubs, timesheets, and other records to strengthen your case.
  • Negotiating – We use our experience to negotiate with your employer for a fair settlement.
  • Protecting you – We make sure your employer doesn’t retaliate against you for making a claim. If they do, we’ll help you file a lawsuit.

The entire purpose of the laws that govern unpaid travel time and other wage theft is to make sure you and your coworkers don’t have to worry about being left in a situation where you’re taken advantage of by your employer. Unfortunately, though, this is something that commonly happens. You have options, but having our team can make the process much easier for you.

Who is Vulnerable to Unpaid Travel Time in Tacoma?

Every worker in Tacoma has a legal right to be paid for all hours they work–including time spent traveling to and from job sites and other similar situations. But not every worker in Tacoma has to travel for work. So, while unpaid travel time can happen to anyone, it’s more likely to happen to people like:

  • Healthcare workers
  • Constructions workers
  • Maintenance workers
  • Repair technicians
  • Delivery drivers and service-industry workers
  • Sales representatives and staff

It can be hard to recognize when your employer is violating your rights, especially when it comes to unpaid travel time. No matter your job, your employer might try to avoid paying you for travel time, and if they get away with it, they may cut corners in other areas too. To protect yourself, it’s important to understand how travel time and other types of wage theft usually happen.

How Does Unpaid Travel Time Happen to Workers?

While it might seem like a fairly stark example, not being paid for travel time is one of the most common ways that workers in Tacoma have their rights violated by their employer. At the same time, it can be pretty hard to know it’s happening to you–especially as it’s happening. Unless you pay close attention to your paychecks (as most do), you might not even know it’s an issue until it’s already past you.

Regardless, you have the right to these unpaid wages under the law. First and foremost, though, you need to know the more common situations where employers usually don’t pay for travel time:

  • Traveling between sites – If you have to go to different work locations during your shift, that travel time should be paid. If it’s missing from your paycheck, you might not be getting the pay you deserve.
  • Traveling during work hours – Any travel that happens during your regular work hours, even on days off, should be paid. For example, if you travel for a meeting or training during work hours, you should get paid for that time.
  • Overnight travel – If your job requires overnight travel, the time spent traveling during your regular work hours must be paid. If it’s not, you could be losing out on wages.
  • Day-to-day traveling – If your job involves regular travel, like delivering products or going to meetings, that time should be paid. Double-check your pay to make sure these hours are included.

Normally, traveling from home to work isn’t paid. However, if you’re asked to start at a different location or do tasks during your commute (like transporting work items), you might be able to make a claim. That said, bringing up the issue is just the first step. After that, you have a host of other options.

What Are Your Options If You’re Not Being Paid For Travel Time?

Work can be tough enough without worrying about not being paid correctly. When travel time and other issues are added to the mix, it can feel overwhelming. However, you do have rights and options. Here’s a simple guide on what to do:

  • Handle it internally – If you think you’re owed pay for travel time, start by talking to your employer. Bring any evidence or documentation you have to back up your claim. This could help you reach a solution, like a payment plan or agreement.
  • File an L&I Complaint – If talking to your employer doesn’t help, you can file a complaint with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). They enforce wage and hour laws and will investigate your case. If they find your employer hasn’t paid you properly, they can order payment for the unpaid travel time.
  • File a lawsuit – If needed, you can file a lawsuit against your employer for failing to pay you for travel time–or if you get illegally punished for bringing up the issue or filing the L&I complaint. Our legal team can help guide you through the process and make sure you recover the wages you’re owed, along with possible damages like emotional distress, liquidated damages, and other things.

The right path depends on your specific situation, but it’s important to know that you only have three years from the date of your last unpaid wage to file a claim in Washington. That means you have to act quickly, but it’s equally as important to have the right guidance. That’s where you can rely on our team.

Free Consultations for Tacoma Workers Facing Unpaid Travel Time

If your job in Tacoma involves travel, you’re legally required to be paid for that time. At Ferraro Vega, our experienced employment lawyers are here to help you understand your rights and options if your employer isn’t paying you correctly. We provide not just legal advice, but also the support you need to hold your employer accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.