Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers can help you if you work in a warehouse in Spokane and are facing unpaid wages. You’re probably pretty aware that you have a basic right to fair pay, but it takes on a whole new meaning when it actually happens. It’s hard to deal with, but our team can guide you through the process and make sure you get what you’re owed. Set up a free consultation today.
Why Would I Need a Lawyer?
There’s nothing worse than putting in long hours on the warehouse floor only to have your paycheck shorted. Sometimes it’s just a payroll mistake, but more often than not, it’s something the company is doing to cut corners. Even still, you don’t necessarily need a lawyer to handle things. You can do it yourself, but anytime you bring up an issue with your bosses, it’s scary. That’s why it’s helpful to have someone on your side to handle things for you. That’s exactly what our team can do by:
- Reviewing your pay stubs, schedules, and employment paperwork
- Explaining what Washington law requires your employer to pay
- Talking with the company directly so you don’t have to
- Working toward a fair result without making your work life more stressful
It’s pretty demoralizing to know that even with laws in place against unpaid wages, warehouse companies still try to cut corners when production quotas are high or labor costs start climbing—and that can show up in your paycheck in ways you might not notice right away.
What Kinds of Unpaid Wages Happen to Warehouse Workers Like Me?
One of the things that makes unpaid wages so common with warehouse jobs is the environment. Things move fast, and that means you and your coworkers have to adjust on the fly a lot of the time. What’s more, the company has a lot of control over the environment—and that’s exactly where unpaid wages can creep in by:
- Missed overtime. Warehouse shifts can run long, especially during busy seasons or when shipments fall behind. If you work more than 40 hours in a week, those extra hours usually need to be paid at time-and-a-half. But sometimes the paycheck doesn’t match the hours you actually worked.
- Off-the-clock work. Some warehouse tasks happen just before or after a shift—like equipment checks, quick meetings, or finishing a truck. If you’re expected to do that work without pay, that time may still count as part of your workday.
- Working through breaks. When deadlines are tight, workers sometimes keep moving instead of taking a break. If break time is still automatically deducted from your pay, it can lead to lost wages.
- Security checks or wait time. If you’re required to go through security or wait in line to clock in or out, that time may still need to be counted as paid work.
- Being labeled an independent contractor. Some companies will try to classify you as an independent contractor to avoid overtime rules. But if the company controls your schedule and how the work is done, the law still considers you an employee.
One way or the other, these things are going to impact you and your family. But when you’re in it, it can be hard to see. That’s why it can be helpful to have someone who knows what to look for—and where to look for it.
What Evidence Should I Look For If I Think I Have Unpaid Wages?
There’s not a lot of good news with unpaid wages. And while you can’t control it happening to you, you can control what comes next. That starts with looking at the evidence, like:
- Pay stubs and direct deposit records showing what you were paid
- Shift schedules or screenshots from scheduling apps
- Timeclock records or badge swipe logs
- Texts or emails from supervisors asking you to come in early or stay late
- Statements from coworkers who may be dealing with the same issue
There’s more good news (relatively speaking). You don’t need perfect records or documentation. You just need enough to show that your employer has been illegally deducting your pay in some way. But that’s also only the starting point. If you want to get that money back, you have to take certain steps.
What Can I Do to Deal With Unpaid Wages as a Warehouse Worker?
It’s one thing to know you’re facing unpaid wages. It’s quite another to take the steps needed to get that pay back. As a warehouse worker, you’re used to dealing with tough conditions, but bringing up issues with the company always feels a little uneasy. But the reality is that if you’re in a situation where you have unpaid wages, it probably isn’t going to fix itself. Here’s what you can do to deal with them:
- Talk with your employer first. Sometimes unpaid wages come down to a payroll mistake. Bringing it up with a supervisor or HR may lead to a quick fix if they agree to correct the issue.
- File a claim with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). If the problem isn’t resolved, you can file a wage claim with L&I. The agency investigates pay violations and can require employers to pay the wages that are owed.
- Filing a lawsuit. If the missing pay is significant or the issue has been going on for a while, a lawsuit may be your best option. It’s more formal than the other options, and takes more time and effort. But it’s fairer and gives you access to damages like:
- Unpaid wages
- Liquidated damages
- Back pay
- Emotional distress
- Attorney’s fees and costs
If other workers are dealing with the same problem, it may also be possible to move forward together through a class action.
Remember, you only have three years from the date of your last unpaid wage to file your claim. That sounds like plenty of time, but in reality, the records and documentation you’ll need has to be timely. So it’s better to start sooner rather than wait around.
Get Help With Unpaid Wages in Spokane with Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers
Paying you and your coworkers fully is the most basic responsibility that manufacturing and warehouse companies have. But you’d be surprised at how easily this gets overlooked—or worked around. At Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers, we can help you understand what your options are if this is happening to you. Set up a free consultation today and let us help you get your pay back.
