If your employer has not paid you for your work, you can take action to recover the money you are owed. Read this article to find a Sample Letter to Employer for Unpaid Wages. Use these examples and edit them as needed for your situation.
Sample Letter to Employer for Unpaid Wages
If you have not been paid for work that you have done, you can send a letter to your employer to request payment. This letter should be clear, concise, and professional. It should also be sent via certified mail, return receipt requested, so that you have proof that the employer received it.
Structure of the letter:
- Your contact information: Include your name, address, phone number, and email address.
- Date: Include the date you are sending the letter.
- Employer’s contact information: Include the employer’s name, address, and phone number.
- Subject line: Write “Request for Payment of Unpaid Wages”.
- Body: In the body of the letter, state that you are writing to request payment for unpaid wages. Include the following information:
- The dates you worked.
- The number of hours you worked each day.
- The rate of pay you were promised.
- The total amount of wages you are owed.
- Request for payment: Politely request that the employer pay you the wages that you are owed. State that you would like to be paid within a reasonable amount of time, such as 10 days.
- Consequences of non-payment: If the employer does not pay you within the time frame that you have specified, you may need to take further action, such as filing a complaint with the Department of Labor or taking the employer to court.
- Closing: Thank the employer for their time and consideration.
Here is an example of a sample letter to employer for unpaid wages:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Employer’s Name]
[Employer’s Address]
[Employer’s Phone Number]
Subject: Request for Payment of Unpaid Wages
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I am writing to request payment for unpaid wages for work that I performed for your company. I worked as a [Your Job Title] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. I was promised a rate of pay of [Your Hourly Wage] per hour.
During my employment with your company, I worked a total of [Number of Hours Worked] hours. This includes [Number of Regular Hours Worked] hours of regular pay and [Number of Overtime Hours Worked] hours of overtime pay. The total amount of wages that I am owed is [Total Amount Owed].
I have attached copies of my pay stubs as proof of my employment and the hours that I worked. I have also attached a copy of my contract, which states that I am entitled to be paid [Your Hourly Wage] per hour.
I have tried to contact you on several occasions to request payment for the wages that I am owed. However, I have not received a response from you. I am now writing to you in a formal manner to request payment. I would like to be paid within 10 days of the date of this letter.
If I do not receive payment within 10 days, I will be forced to take further action, such as filing a complaint with the Department of Labor or taking you to court.
I hope that we can resolve this matter amicably. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter to Employer for Unpaid Wages
Paycheck Discrepancy
Dear [Employer Name],
I am writing to bring to your attention an issue with my most recent paycheck. I noticed that there was a discrepancy in the amount I was paid compared to what I should have received based on my hourly rate and the hours I worked.
I have attached a copy of my timesheet for the pay period in question, as well as a copy of my pay stub. As you can see, I worked a total of [Number] hours during the pay period, and my hourly rate is [Hourly Rate]. This means that I should have been paid a gross amount of [Gross Amount]. However, my pay stub shows that I was only paid [Net Amount].
I would appreciate it if you could investigate this matter and ensure that I am paid the remaining wages that I am owed. I can be reached at [Phone Number] or [Email Address] if you have any questions or require additional information.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Unpaid Overtime
Dear [Employer Name],
I am writing to request payment for overtime hours that I worked during the past pay period. I understand that overtime is typically compensated at a rate of time and a half, and I believe that I am owed [Amount] for the overtime hours I worked.
I have attached a copy of my timesheet for the pay period in question, which shows that I worked a total of [Number] hours, including [Number] hours of overtime. I have also attached a copy of my pay stub, which shows that I was only paid for [Number] hours of regular time.
I would appreciate it if you could review my timesheet and pay stub and ensure that I am paid the overtime wages that I am owed. I can be reached at [Phone Number] or [Email Address] if you have any questions or require additional information.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Unpaid Commissions
Dear [Employer Name],
I am writing to inquire about unpaid commissions that I believe I am owed for the past sales period. I have reviewed my sales records and determined that I should have been paid a total of [Amount] in commissions, but my pay stub shows that I was only paid [Amount].
I understand that commissions are typically paid on a monthly or quarterly basis, and the pay period for the commissions I am claiming has already passed. I have attached a copy of my sales records for the relevant period, as well as a copy of my pay stub, for your review.
I would appreciate it if you could investigate this matter and ensure that I am paid the commissions that I am owed. I can be reached at [Phone Number] or [Email Address] if you have any questions or require additional information.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Unpaid Bonuses
Dear [Employer Name],
I am writing to inquire about an unpaid bonus that I believe I am owed for my work during the past year. I understand that bonuses are typically paid out at the end of the year, and the deadline for payment has already passed.
I have consistently exceeded my sales goals and have received positive feedback from my supervisors throughout the year. I believe that I am deserving of a bonus based on my performance and contributions to the company.
I have attached a copy of my performance reviews for the past year, as well as a copy of my pay stub, for your review. I would appreciate it if you could investigate this matter and ensure that I am paid the bonus that I am owed.
I can be reached at [Phone Number] or [Email Address] if you have any questions or require additional information.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Unpaid Vacation Pay
Dear [Employer Name],
I am writing to inquire about unpaid vacation pay that I believe I am owed. I understand that employees are typically paid for unused vacation days at the end of the year or upon termination of employment.
I have accrued a total of [Number] vacation days during my time with the company, and I have not taken any vacation time this year. I am requesting that I be paid for my unused vacation days at my current hourly rate.
I have attached a copy of my employment contract, which states that I am entitled to [Number] vacation days per year. I have also attached a copy of my pay stub, which shows that I have not been paid for any vacation days this year.
I would appreciate it if you could investigate this matter and ensure that I am paid the vacation pay that I am owed. I can be reached at [Phone Number] or [Email Address] if you have any questions or require additional information.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Unpaid Severance Pay
Dear [Employer Name],
I am writing to inquire about unpaid severance pay that I believe I am owed following my termination of employment. I understand that employees who are terminated without cause are typically entitled to severance pay.
I was employed by the company for [Number] years and was consistently a top performer. I was never given any indication that my job was at risk, and my termination came as a complete surprise.
I have attached a copy of my employment contract, which states that I am entitled to [Number] weeks of severance pay in the event of termination without cause. I have also attached a copy of my termination letter, which does not provide any reason for my termination.
I would appreciate it if you could investigate this matter and ensure that I am paid the severance pay that I am owed. I can be reached at [Phone Number] or [Email Address] if you have any questions or require additional information.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Unpaid Wages Due to Error
Dear [Employer Name],
I am writing to bring to your attention an error in my most recent paycheck. I noticed that there was a discrepancy in the amount I was paid compared to what I should have received based on my hourly rate and the hours I worked.
I have attached a copy of my timesheet for the pay period in question, as well as a copy of my pay stub. As you can see, I worked a total of [Number] hours during the pay period, and my hourly rate is [Hourly Rate]. This means that I should have been paid a gross amount of [Gross Amount]. However, my pay stub shows that I was only paid [Net Amount].
I believe that this error is due to a mistake in calculating my overtime pay. I worked [Number] hours of overtime during the pay period, and my overtime rate is [Overtime Rate]. This means that I should have been paid [Overtime Amount] for my overtime hours. However, my pay stub shows that I was only paid [Actual Overtime Amount].
I would appreciate it if you could investigate this matter and ensure that I am paid the remaining wages that I am owed. I can be reached at [Phone Number] or [Email Address] if you have any questions or require additional information.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter to Employer for Unpaid Wages: Tips and Guidelines
When an employer fails to pay their employees the wages they’ve earned, it’s essential to take action to recover the unpaid wages. One effective step you can take is to write a letter to your employer outlining the issue and requesting payment.
Tips for Writing a Letter to Employer for Unpaid Wages
- Be clear and concise: Your letter should be easy for your employer to understand. Use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon or technical terms.
- State the facts: Provide specific details about the unpaid wages. Include the dates of the pay periods in question, the amount of wages owed, and any other relevant information.
- Be polite and professional: Even though you’re frustrated and upset about the unpaid wages, it’s important to maintain a polite and professional tone in your letter. Avoid making personal attacks or using inflammatory language.
- Set a deadline for payment: Include a deadline for your employer to pay the unpaid wages. This deadline should be reasonable, but it should also give your employer enough time to take action.
- Include a warning: Inform your employer that you may take further action if the unpaid wages are not paid by the deadline. This could include filing a complaint with the labor department or taking legal action.
Sample Letter Format
| Date | Your Name | Your Address | City, State, Zip | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employer Name | ||||
| Employer Address | ||||
| City, State, Zip | ||||
| Subject: Request for Payment of Unpaid Wages | ||||
| Dear [Employer Name], | ||||
| I am writing to you today to request payment of the unpaid wages that I am owed. As of [date], I have not received payment for the following pay periods: | ||||
| Pay Period | Amount Owed | |||
| [Pay Period 1] | [Amount Owed 1] | |||
| [Pay Period 2] | [Amount Owed 2] | |||
| Total Amount Owed: [Total Amount Owed] | ||||
| I kindly request that you pay the unpaid wages in full by [date]. If I do not receive payment by this deadline, I will be forced to take further action, which may include filing a complaint with the labor department or taking legal action. | ||||
| Thank you for your attention to this matter. | ||||
| Sincerely, | ||||
| [Your Name] | ||||
FAQs: Sample Letter to Employer for Unpaid Wages
Q: What is a sample letter to employer for unpaid wages?
A: A sample letter to employer for unpaid wages is a formal document that outlines an employee’s concerns regarding outstanding wages owed by their employer. It should include details such as the nature of the work performed, hours worked, and the amount of unpaid wages.
Q: When should I use a sample letter for unpaid wages?
A: You should use a sample letter for unpaid wages when your employer has failed to pay you the wages you are rightfully owed. This may include instances where you have not been paid at all or when your employer has failed to pay you in a timely manner as specified in your employment contract or by law.
Q: What information should I include in the letter?
A: In your letter, you should include your name, employee ID (if applicable), contact information, and the name and address of your employer. You should also include a brief explanation of the work that you performed, the number of hours you worked, the dates of the unpaid wages, and the total amount of unpaid wages owed to you. Additionally, you may mention any attempts you have made to communicate with your employer about the issue and the steps you would like them to take to resolve it.
Q: What is the purpose of a sample letter for unpaid wages?
A: The purpose of a sample letter for unpaid wages is to document your complaint and initiate communication with your employer regarding the unpaid wages. It provides a formal record of your concerns and demonstrates that you have taken steps to address the issue directly. By sending a written letter, you can create a paper trail that may be helpful if you need to escalate the matter to a higher authority or take legal action.
Q: What are some legal remedies available if my employer fails to pay me?
A: If your employer fails to pay you the wages you are owed, you may have legal remedies available to you. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may be able to file a complaint with your local labor department or commission, or you may need to initiate a legal action in court. It’s advisable to consult with an employment attorney if you are considering taking legal action against your employer.
Q: Can I send a sample letter for unpaid wages via email?
A: While it’s generally acceptable to send a sample letter for unpaid wages via email, it’s important to check your employment contract or company policy to ensure that there are no specific requirements regarding the format or method of communication. Sending the letter via certified mail with a return receipt may be advisable if you want to have proof that the employer received the letter.
Q: What should I do if my employer retaliates against me for sending a letter about unpaid wages?
A: If your employer retaliates against you for sending a letter about unpaid wages, you should immediately report the retaliation to your supervisor, human resources department, or a higher authority within the company. You may also consider contacting your local labor department or commission to file a complaint. Retaliation for exercising your rights as an employee is illegal, and you may have legal recourse to address such behavior.
That’s a Wrap
Thanks a lot for sticking with me until the end! I hope this article provided you with the information you needed to compose a letter to your employer regarding unpaid wages. I’m confident that by following the steps outlined above, you’ll be able to effectively communicate your concerns and work towards a resolution.
If you have any other questions or concerns about unpaid wages or related employment matters, please don’t hesitate to visit our website again. We have a wealth of information and resources that can help you navigate these complex issues. Thanks for reading, and we look forward to seeing you again soon!