Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers help workers that face unpaid wages in Seattle’s manufacturing industry. Working in a factory or warehouse sometimes means long hours and dangerous conditions, but you have certain rights and options if your employer doesn’t pay you correctly. To learn more about what you can do, contact us today for a free consultation.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
For a lot of people in Seattle, working in the manufacturing industry means financial security and the ability to provide for your family. That’s true whether you drive a forklift in a warehouse, on the production floor as an order picker, or in quality control departments. But whether you need a lawyer depends on your particular situation. If you’re comfortable going directly to your employer and talking things out, you probably don’t need to worry about getting a lawyer.
That said, facing unpaid wages–and more specifically, standing up to your employer–is pretty scary. Our team can stand up for you by:
- Explaining your rights and options
- Helping you collect evidence and documentation
- Negotiating with your employer for your unpaid wages
- Filing a lawsuit or helping you join a class action
Not every situation requires legal action, but if you face unpaid wages, our team can help you understand the process and what you can do to fix it.
How Do Unpaid Wages Happen in Seattle’s Manufacturing Industry?
Seattle’s manufacturing industry depends on dedicated workers, but some employers still find ways to cut corners on wages. Every situation is different, but most of the time, this involves things like:
- Unpaid overtime – Many manufacturing workers put in long hours, but employers sometimes fail to pay time-and-a-half for hours over 40 in a week. Some may misclassify workers to avoid paying overtime.
- Working “off the clock” – If you’re asked to set up machines, clean up, or handle other tasks before or after your shift without pay, that’s wage theft.
- Missing or delayed paychecks – Employers may hold back paychecks or fail to issue a final paycheck when you leave, which is a violation of Washington’s wage laws.
- Deducting uniform or equipment costs – If you’re required to pay for uniforms, tools, or safety gear out of your own pocket, your employer could be violating wage laws, especially if these costs lower your earnings below minimum wage.
- Misclassification – Some employers wrongly classify workers as independent contractors or salaried employees to avoid paying overtime and benefits.
- Unpaid meal or rest breaks – You have a legal right to meal and rest breaks. If you’re forced to work through them or aren’t paid for on-the-clock breaks, you may have a claim.
- Unpaid training or meetings – If your employer requires you to attend training sessions or safety meetings without pay, they may be breaking the law.
No matter what type of manufacturing job you have, you have the right to be paid fairly. The first step is recognizing these wage violations–then holding your employer accountable by filing a claim.
What Claims Options Do You Have For Unpaid Wages?
You never want to be in a situation where your employer violates your rights–and this is especially true when it hurts your wages or income. In very real terms, this takes money out of your pocket and makes your life harder. That’s why there are laws in place, which give you options for filing a claim to get that money back.
Here’s what you can do:
- File a Complaint with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) – L&I is responsible for enforcing wage laws in Washington. If you file a complaint, they will investigate, and if your claim is successful, they can order your employer to pay your unpaid wages.
- File a civil lawsuit – You also have the option to sue your employer for unpaid wages. With legal guidance, you can file a lawsuit in civil court to recover lost wages and other damages.
- Join a class action lawsuit – If multiple workers at your job site are experiencing the same wage violations, you may be able to file or join a class action lawsuit. This allows a group of workers to collectively file a single lawsuit against your employer.
Regardless of which option you choose, you can potentially recover the following damages when you file a claim:
- Unpaid wages (plus interest)
- Liquidated damages, which could double your lost wages
- Compensation for unpaid breaks or waiting time
- Reimbursement for any work-related expenses you paid out-of-pocket
- Coverage of attorney’s fees
- Emotional distress damages in some cases
Filing a wage claim takes courage, but acting quickly is important. In Seattle, you typically have three years from your last unpaid paycheck to file a claim. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to recover what you’re owed.
What Do You Need For a Strong Unpaid Wage Claim?
Unfortunately, you don’t automatically get your wages back when you file a claim. Because it’s ultimately a legal action, you’re going to need to provide evidence and documentation for a strong claim. Thankfully, if you know where to look and what to look for, this is pretty easy. Here’s what you can do to build a strong claim:
- Keep detailed records – Track your hours worked, overtime, and any shifts where you weren’t paid correctly. Use a notebook, app, or spreadsheet to stay organized.
- Save your pay stubs and timesheets – Compare your pay stubs with the hours you actually worked. If there are discrepancies, this documentation can help prove wage violations.
- Keep copies of any communications with your employer – Save emails, texts, or written messages where you’ve discussed pay issues, overtime, or missing wages. If your employer denies or ignores your requests, these records can be crucial evidence.
- Review policies – Check your employee handbook, contract, or any workplace policies related to wages, overtime, and breaks. Even verbal agreements can help show what you were promised.
- Get statements from coworkers – If other workers are also experiencing wage violations, their statements can strengthen your claim. This is especially important if you’re considering a class action lawsuit against your employer.
By keeping thorough records and knowing your rights, you’ll be in a stronger position to recover the wages you’re owed. If you need help going through the claims process, our team is ready to support you every step of the way.
Free Consultations For Manufacturing Workers in Seattle
Working in the manufacturing industry in Seattle is hard enough without worrying about unpaid wages or other violations of your rights by your employer. At Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers, we believe that every worker should be able to go to their job and not have to face such treatment. If you feel you’re being paid incorrectly or unfairly, contact us today for a free consultation.