I have been employed by a trash company that is currently under contract to remove the trash from the Naval installations. The contract was executed in October, 2010. My hourly wage at that juncture was $18.00. Subsequently, I was apprised that my hourly wage at the outset should have been $19.18. Is there anyway that I can find out the authenticity of the information pertaining to my hourly wage? Also, can I recoup any back hourly wages?
Hello and thank you for the question. I am sorry to read of this dilemma. What is the basis for the contention that it should have been higher? have you compared to others hired at the time?
I have been informed by an individual who has direct access to the contract. Note: as of Feb. 2012, all of the employes were given an increase in hourly wages after the individual notified the owner of the contract requirements.
Typically the contract rate controls. But if there are standard rates and you were underpaid, you can pursue the deficiency. That can be attempted by lawyer negotiation and by civil lawsuit, which can seek through discovery the pay records. Often such claims settle early given cost to both sides.