Walk It Through: The Short Paycheck
A wage indexed to inflation, sick leave by the hour worked, and small claims up to ten thousand dollars.
A line cook's first paycheck works out to less than the minimum wage for the hours on the time sheet.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
One paycheck and one cook. The current dollar rate, overtime, and a complaint to the state labor department are not worked through here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Exemplary damagesTwice the amount withheld, which an employer that willfully and with intent to deprive pays an employee less than owed is liable for, with costs and a reasonable attorney's fee.
- Small claimsThe court that hears claims of up to ten thousand dollars for a natural person, where no attorney takes part without the judge's consent.