Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers help Washington manufacturing workers when they aren’t being paid properly for the work they perform. Working in this field is demanding enough as it is, but when your paychecks don’t match your efforts, it brings a whole new level of strain on you and your family. Our team is here to guide you through your legal options and make sure you’re treated fairly. Set up a free consultation today to learn more.
Should I Get a Lawyer?
For a lot of workers in your position, wondering whether or not to get a lawyer is one of the first big questions that come up. The truth is that not every payroll issue needs legal help—sometimes it’s just a payroll error or a miscalculation that can be corrected quickly by HR. But when overtime isn’t paid, promised bonuses are withheld, or you’re misclassified to reduce your benefits, having a lawyer on your side can make a big difference. Our team will:
- Review your employment records, time logs, and pay stubs to determine exactly what you’re owed.
- Explain your rights under Washington law and help you understand the options for recovering unpaid wages.
- Talk directly with your employer, so you don’t have to confront supervisors or risk your job.
- File claims with L&I, lawsuits, or put together class actions if this is happening employees are affected.
If your paycheck doesn’t reflect the hours and effort you’ve put in on the production floor, getting a lawyer can be the difference between recovering what you’re owed and continuing to lose out. But it also means standing up to your employer, which can be scary. We’ll make sure you have the support you need, and that often starts with getting all your information in order.
What Information Will Help Your Claim For Unpaid Wages?
As a manufacturing worker, your job often leaves a trail of records that can support a wage claim—if you know where to look. Every shift, every production run, and every overtime hour can be documented in ways that make it easier to prove you were underpaid. But it can be hard to know where to start–especially if you’re simply trying to do your job to support your family. Still, the types of information that can help your unpaid wage claim include:
- Time records and badge logs – Swipes at the start and end of your shift, clock-in and clock-out records, and schedule sheets all show when you were actually on the floor or running machinery. These are often the most reliable proof of unpaid hours.
- Pay stubs and direct deposit records – Your pay statements reveal what you were actually paid and can highlight missing overtime, shift premiums, or production bonuses that weren’t included.
- Employment agreements and bonus policies – Offer letters, signed contracts, or company incentive plans can prove that your employer promised overtime pay, safety bonuses, or production incentives that were never delivered.
- Emails, messages, and production reports – Communications from supervisors or team leads about mandatory extra shifts, weekend runs, or production quotas show when you were expected to work and how much effort was required.
- Coworker statements – In many manufacturing settings, wage issues affect entire shifts or teams. Statements from your coworkers who experienced the same unpaid hours or missed bonuses can show that underpayment was not isolated to a single employee. It can also set the stage for a class action lawsuit.
When these records are put together, they create a clear picture of your work history and what pay you’ve missed. And you don’t have to have it all right now or try to put it all together yourself. Our experienced team knows where to look and how to compile your records to give your claim a solid foundation.
What Are Some Examples of Wage Violations in Manufacturing?
Working in manufacturing often means long hours, physically demanding tasks, and strict production quotas. But even when you meet every expectation, your paycheck might not reflect all the work you’ve done. Unpaid wages in manufacturing don’t always show up as a missing paycheck—they can appear in subtle ways that quietly chip away at your earnings:
- Off-the-clock setup or cleanup – You might be asked to start machinery early, inspect safety equipment, or prepare materials before your shift officially begins. Or perhaps you stay late to clean the plant or tools after a long day. These minutes add up quickly into hours of unpaid labor.
- Unpaid overtime – Extra shifts, weekend production runs, or “crunch time” projects sometimes aren’t properly compensated. Even when you work more than 40 hours a week, employers may average schedules or misclassify employees to avoid paying overtime.
- Withheld bonuses or incentive pay – Many manufacturers offer production bonuses, safety incentives, or performance rewards. Unfortunately, employers sometimes delay, reduce, or deny these payments—even when quotas or goals are met.
- Misclassification – Being labeled “exempt” or an “independent contractor” can strip away overtime pay, benefits, and protections, even when the law recognizes you as an employee.
These aren’t minor oversights—they’re violations of your rights and of the law. That means you have certain options for recovering these wages–and possibly more.
What Are My Options For Recovering My Unpaid Wages?
While you never want to be in a position where you’re missing out on your pay, the law is on your side. As an employee you have a few options for taking action and recovering any unpaid wages:
- Filing a claim with L&I – The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is set up to help workers like you. You can file a wage claim (even if your employer disputes it.) Then L&I will investigate and can order payment of unpaid overtime, missed bonuses, or shift premiums, while issuing penalties. For many workers, this is the fastest and least stressful path to getting paid.
- Dealing with your employer directly – Sometimes a formal claim isn’t needed. A lawyer can contact your supervisor or HR to explain the situation and request payment. For example, overtime from a long production run or a missed safety incentive can often be resolved quickly with professional guidance, without risking your job or daily work relationships.
- Filing a lawsuit – If things aren’t fixed, or you’re missing out on a bigger chunk of your income, a lawsuit may be the best option. Through a lawsuit, you can get “damages” for your unpaid wages, which include things like:
- Back pay
- Interest on unpaid wages
- Emotional distress
- Attorneys fees and court costs
We handle the filings, court communications, and negotiations so you can focus on your work and life.
- Class action lawsuits – Wage theft in manufacturing often affects entire shifts or departments. You and your coworkers can band together and file a class action lawsuit against your employer, where you can get all the same damages as you would in a single lawsuit.
Most unpaid wage claims in Washington have to be filed within three years of your last paycheck. That sounds like a lot of time, but critical time cards, badge logs, and production reports can quickly get lost. Acting fast gives you a better chance at knowing exactly what you’re missing out on and putting things together for a strong claim.
Reach Out to Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers About Your Unpaid Wages
Every worker in Washington has a right to fair treatment and pay, and that includes people that work in manufacturing. At Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers, we can help you through every step of the process and make sure you get paid what you’re owed. To get started, set up a free, no-obligation consultation with our team today.
