How do you have an uncomfortable conversation with your boss?

yokonzo@lemmy.world to Asklemmy@lemmy.ml – 53 points –

Hey y'all, I'm a warehouse worker in Illinois, when I was hired on I was promised $17.50 an hour. I got access to the employee self service recently to find out these past 4 months I've been getting paid $17. Now I don't have any actual on paper proof of this but I remember very clearly thinking , "$17.50, hey that's just a dollar less than my girlfriend who's already in the field, neat!" And I'm a little miffed about this discrepancy, because I know it probably happened because my department manager is scatter brained.

I don't need any legal advice or rallying cries here. I just wanna know cause I already sent him an email saying I found this, this isn't what I was told, can I come over to your building later and talk about this? How should I broach this? Obviously I want to start with friendly energy but stay stern that this is not the rate I was told I would be getting. Thoughts?

16

You are viewing a single comment

What do you mean you "don't have any actual on paper proof"? I'm not too familiar with American law and such but don't you have a contract that states what your starting salary should be? A promise that's not put into writing and signed by your boss probably isn't worth anything.

To get a bit closer to your question: be friendly, ask if there has been a mistake or if you might have misunderstood the agreement. Only imply they're doing this on purpose if you're willing to leave the company if things go wrong.

Yeah, they should have an offer of employment I'd think? Guess it depends on the job though as I haven't always had that, but you bet I'd be checking that first paystub so it's weird OP went so long without noticing.

Yeah you're right I should have noticed sooner, I just for some reason never thought to check the actual rate box on my stubs, just the total, live and learn

Well they owe you $0.50/hr for every hour worked in the last 4 months. Thats a them mistake, not a you mistake, so dont feel bad.

Politely mention it to your boss or payroll. Dont assign blame, just tell them the issue. If the buisness is above board, they will apologize profusely and either offer to cut you a check today or by your next payday. If they are not above board, they will either fight you or bitch and moan before paying you. If that's the case, look for a new job. They will only do worse things to you in the future.

Not sure why you got downvoted.

If there's an agreed upon rate, all the hours OP worked are payable at that rate.

Because OP implied that the contract said 17$ and he had just not noticed (because he was promised 17.50$ in the interview). In that case, it is false that he has a right to the reamining 50ct per hour.

Ah, I missed that bit. Thank you.

OP should take the lesson to always read something before they sign their name to it.

Most jobs I have had, have not had employment contracts.