[MA] false wages on final paycheck
I am submitting a complaint regarding unpaid wages and PTO compensation from my previous employer.
My final day of employment was May 1, 2026. Prior to my resignation, I received written confirmation from my employer via email stating that I would be compensated for any approved PTO or sick time used before my final day. The exact wording was:
“You will be compensated for any time taken or scheduled prior to your final day of employment. As May 1st begins a new pay period, I suggest scheduling your four days of sick time from May 4th through May 7th. This will ensure you receive a partial payment on May [15th].”
The company pays employees on a bi-monthly schedule. I was previously provided the following payroll policy:
“The hours you submit on the 15th are for the time period of the 1st-15th and you will be paid for those on the 30th/31st. On the 30th/31st you will submit hours for the second half of the month 16th-30th/31st and you will be paid for those hours on the 15th.”
My final two weeks of employment fell within the April 16th-May 1st pay period, which should have been paid on May 15th.
During that time period, I worked on:
• April 21
• April 22
• April 27
• April 30
I also used my remaining approved sick/PTO days on:
• April 23
• April 24
• April 28
• April 29
Despite this, my final paycheck only reflected 18 hours of pay instead of the full amount I was expecting based on both hours worked and approved PTO/sick time. I have documentation supporting:
• The employer’s written confirmation that I would be compensated
• The company’s payroll schedule and policy
• My work schedule and attendance
• My final paycheck showing the discrepancy
I am requesting assistance in determining whether my employer violated wage payment laws and in recovering the unpaid compensation owed to me.
Should I hire a lawyer for this?