How to Discuss Missing Wages With Your Employer

How to Discuss Missing Wages With Your Employer

Ohio has specific laws regarding the minimum wages and overtime wages employers must pay. When they violate an employee’s rights by not paying proper wages, it is extremely upsetting. It is tempting to burst into your employer’s office and demand to be paid in full, but that may not be the most effective way to talk to them about it. If your employer has not paid you proper wages, follow the steps below to recover your lost wages and hopefully maintain a good relationship with your boss.

Ask Your Boss for a Good Time to Talk

No employer wants to be caught off guard, and you do not want to catch them at a bad time when they cannot fully discuss the problem with you. To avoid these circumstances, ask your boss when they have some time to talk to you. Do not go into a great amount of detail. Simply tell them that you believe there has been a wage discrepancy and that you would like to review it with them at a time that is convenient for them.

Try to Stay Calm

It is natural to feel angry and upset when you realize you have not been paid appropriately for the work you have performed. However, it is crucial that you remain calm while speaking with your boss. Threatening your boss or acting out in another way will ruin your relationship with your employer, and you should try to keep it intact as best as possible. If you are worried that your boss may become angry and act inappropriately, it is a good idea to have a neutral third party, such as an HR employee, attend the meeting with you.

Know the Topics You Want to Discuss

Of course, if you approach your employer over missed wages, you know that is what you want to talk to them about. Still, you must ensure you have the facts right. If you have a contract or an offer letter, bring that with you to back up your argument. Timesheets or other records of hours worked, and previous pay stubs can also help prove your point.

Remain Willing to Resolve the Issue

After learning of a wage discrepancy, people are sometimes willing to walk off the job because they are angry. However, you may also want to keep your job after speaking to your boss. Remain open and reasonable with your employer and ask them if they need any more information from you. This will also likely make your boss more open and willing to resolve the issue, making the entire process quicker and less stressful for you.

Call an Ohio Employment Lawyer

Unfortunately, not all wage disputes go smoothly and employers do not always want to act reasonably with their employees. When that is the case, you may need to enlist the help of a Columbus employment lawyer. At Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC, our skilled attorneys can help you with your wage dispute and if necessary, help you file a claim against your employer. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a meeting so we can review your case.