ULPT request: how to get back at an ex employer that is refusing to pay me
Posted by tgtthway009@reddit | UnethicalLifeProTips | View on Reddit | 12 comments
TL;DR: ex employer ghosted me (and others) on payment. How do I fuck with them?
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I worked at a new small business and they have since ghosted me, but not before sending me fake emails claiming I’d been paid (I hadn’t even been given a direct deposit form, there’s been no check, etc) for two weeks. After posting about it in my local town Reddit, I found out I am not the only employee they have stiffed and ghosted.
Reached out to the DOL that is local to me (we don’t have a state labor board) and I continue to get automated emails concerning what they do and don’t handle. I am still pursuing that, but I am dubious of any tangible results.
It is also too expensive to file in small claims, and I’m still not guaranteed they will pay.
Having said that I am still so utterly pissed off about being jerked around by these assholes for weeks, and the fact that they just brazenly fucked me over. I have accepted I just won’t see that money, and I take it as a lesson learned, but I still want to get at them. They thrive off of reviews and social media so I thought review bombing them would help but I don’t know where to start
kilgoretrout1077@reddit
Do you have an alderman? What is your equivalent. If they are in a good mood and maybe you have someone who knows them if you’re in a smaller town, but they get shit done and quick if you can convince em to. Thanks m taking a phone call to that company from them and the checks in the mail or zoning issues magically appear
Skeggy-@reddit
Small claims court is cheap af to fine. Usually around $100 in whatever jurisdiction you’re in.
Your states DOL claim for unpaid wages will likely get looked at eventually. Government is slow.
tgtthway009@reddit (OP)
I hope it is looked at. Thank you.
Redwingsrule6971@reddit
Small Claims is definitely cheap like the other person said.
Depending on what state your in, you could get a certain amount over what's owed because of them doing this.
If there are several people who they've done this to, and they have proof of it - find a lawyer who will take it on.
He'll have to pay those legal expenses as well.
My daughter went through something similar, and she got her and her 4 coworkers about $5g each for him underpaying their minimum wage. He had to pay all of the legal fees, too.
whydya-dodat@reddit
If you told the Dept. of Labor, they’ll get to it. Once they do, anonymously notify the IRS that they’re up to some shady shit. If it’s a food business, notify the health inspector. Notify OSHA of safety hazards. The Fire Marshall should be aware of that blocked fire door. The police might need to investigate the sudden surge in possible drug addicts behind or in the place.
Give Reddit the business category and let those nasty tricks flow.
Virtu_Sea@reddit
Department of labor (it’s free and without needing a lawyer) additionally you should also take it to small claims court
BoxMunchr@reddit
Is this a brick and mortar business? If they screwed a bunch of others, it would be hard to pin any damage on any one individual. If they're careful enough.
tgtthway009@reddit (OP)
It is. As far as I know, there are only two points of contact in the whole thing— it is a skeleton management crew. I am not in contact with the other employees who were messed over.
ScarInternational161@reddit
You can stand out front with signs saying they refuse to pay you. Not libel or anything because it's true. Stay on public property. Not a single thing they can do!
GoodMilk_GoneBad@reddit
Why is it too expensive to file in small claims court? Represent yourself and bring documentation.
The filing fees are usually under $50. So sue them for the money you're owed plus court costs.
Quirky-Invite7664@reddit
Post about it in your local Nextdoor.
borick@reddit
Sue them