Should I take legal action? My boss isn't paying me what he said he would?

Question

I'v had a newspaper route since the beginning of February. I deliver 175 papers twice a week (350 papers). I'm supposed to get paid 15 cents per paper. My first cheque was $45 and my second cheque was $52.50. I was supposed to get my pay stub this week, and it was supposed to be $195 since my boss has underpaid me twice already. If he underpays me again, should I take legal action? I should also mention that I am 14 and live in Canada. I know that if it was more money that he owed me, it would definitely be cause for legal action, but since it's so little, would it be necessary? What are your opinions? As of right now, he owes me $221 including today (I wouldn't get today's pay until the cheque after, because it's after the 15th).

Update:

I have emailed him several times, and he hasn't replied. I get paid per paper, not per house. The information booklet I received when I started said 15 cents a paper, so I'm pretty sure they wouldn't make a mistake. Also, I don't get taxed at all since it's only a newspaper route.

? · Accepted Answer

You don't realize one little problem...if you sued the legal fees could run into the thousands of dollars.

? · Answer

Have you even asked him about it? Chances are you've either misunderstood how much you're supposed to get paid (when I was delivering papers it was 2.5 cents per paper. Even with inflation, 15 cents a paper sounds a little much), or it could be a simple clerical error that someone has typed in the wrong number of houses you're supposed to be paid for. Never jump to the conclusion that they are intentionally trying to swindle you and always try to work it out like an adult by talking directly to him (without accusing him of anything - just say you're confused and were expecting more and would like to understand how they came up with the number). Legal action is reserved for when all other avenues for resolution have been exhausted.

Who&#39;s bouncing you · Answer

If you are in the USA you would be wasting time and money to try to sue him. Each state has it own laws but you should have a labor board that could help you file a complaint. FIRST I would talk to him about this and then go over him to the "big" boss ( if there is any ) and maybe put the complaint in writing  and tell him what you did to clear this up and keep a copy. Always keep copies and write down dates when you spoke about your grievence - records are important.
If you get no results - then go to the labor board and file a complaint. My guess is when you get that pay stub you might find your answer. If you had a garnishment or tax taken out or maybe they hold pay back ( some companies do) and you may get it in your next check? But good luck!

Ellie · Answer

If he really doesn't reply after all your effort, get a parent to help you and do the following:

-Print out your emails (with the dates attached etc)
-Print out your contract (if any) 
-Print out the original job posting / if there are any witnesses who know you are meant to be paid 15 cents a paper, get their contact number/name as a reference.


Next, google the closest community advice or council advice place near you. They give you free legal advice and see if you have 'a case'... in most cases they will write a letter to him to pay up or he could potentially be sued. This will usually make employers pay up.

Malia · Answer

This might be because of job tax. The boss deducts a certain amount every cheque. But of course that's in America. So I'm not sure

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Should I take legal action? My boss isn't paying me what he said he would?

5 Answers