Missing employee payments that may lead to a legal action

Both Arizona State and federal labor laws require companies to pay their employees for all hours worked and for overtime. As noted by the U.S. Department of Labor, employees working on a salaried basis may also receive overtime pay under certain conditions. If a salaried employee receives less than $684 after working more than 40 hours in a workweek, an employer must make up the difference.

Individuals who do not receive their overtime pay, commissions or bonuses may file a legal action to recover the missing compensation. A legal action may also include a demand for missed payments such as reimbursements for travel expenses.

Employees may pursue benefits, incentives and other payments

The Industrial Commission of Arizona notes that residents of the Grand Canyon State may earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours of labor provided. An employee’s compensation package may also include paid vacations, meals or incentives.

As noted by AZICA.gov, employees may pursue payment for deductions they did not authorize their employers to withhold from their paychecks. Insufficient funds or “bounced” paychecks may also compel employees to file a claim.

Filing a claim may also result in damage awards

Employees filing claims for unpaid compensation may receive back pay along with any other funds or benefits owed them. A claim may also include damages. As reported on the DOL.gov website, an employer in Phoenix allegedly paid 66 employees in cash and did not include their overtime pay. After employees filed an unpaid wages lawsuit, the court awarded them $92,500 for back pay and an additional $92,500 in liquidated damages.

Employees entitled to wages, benefits or reimbursements that they never received may file a legal action. Deadlines, however, exist for filing claims; not taking action quickly could affect the outcome.