I worked for a client of the Manchester, NH branch of OfficeTeam for three weeks. The client company was not forthcoming about the assignment duration, nor, as I later found out, as to how they wanted to structure the position. They withdrew the assignment before I started my fourth week, which I'd half expected.
During my third week with the client company, I overheard the accountant and finance officer talking numbers-the tone was that they (the business) were in a crunch.
During my orientation with OfficeTeam, I was informed that the Manchester branch must be in receipt of time sheets no later than the Monday following the end of the last pay week.in this case, by November 19th. However, as usual, I had faxed my time sheet over to OfficeTeam by EOD Friday, November 16th. I faxed my time sheet as instructed, and that same afternoon positively confirmed OfficeTeam's receipt of my signed time sheet with the receptionist.
I was called early the next Monday by OfficeTeam's recruiter and told that their client had ended the assignment. No surprise there. My final check was to be direct-deposited to my bank account, as per usual, the following Tuesday. That was more than two weeks ago, and it still hasn't happened.
As a direct result, OfficeTeam's negligence has caused me to suffer damages. Giving some wiggle room for the holiday week, I waited until that Friday, the day after Thanksgiving to contact Seth at OfficeTeam. He told me I would have a paycheck deposited by Monday. That didn't happen. I called and was told that Seth was not in the office. I spoke with Christy/Kristie instead. She sounded harried and rushed on the phone, so I restated my last conversation with Seth the prior week, and inquired about my pay in a patient and understanding manner (I believe strongly in not burning bridges career-wise). Christy/Kristie answered my concerns in a rude and condescending manner, using that customer service taboo word "obviously" several times. I sensed I was being drawn into a shouting match, which I won't lower myself to.
Instead I ended the conversation and called the State of NH Labor Board. A brusque-sounding man told me to call them and demand my money, that they would have to get it to me that day, or risk a call from Mr. Brusque-man. I called OfficeTeam again (all of this is on my dime/my time). I mentioned Labor Board and they shot me up the ladder to a David Lopez, who was no help in getting me my paycheck, and gave me the run-around about the payroll company being in another state. I politely hung up again, and called back the Labor Board. Mr. Brusque-man made the call to Mr. Lopez, was bumped up to a district manager, who promised I'd have my pay by Wed. At latest.
Now how does this help me? I'm considering taking action above and beyond just asking for what I'm owed for hours worked. Mr. Brusque-man told me that I could file a wage claim for liquidated damages (as I understand it, an additional amount—a percentage—of the usual wage, tacked on in lew of damages).
Even with the help of Mr. Brusque-man, I have not been paid yet, apparently the corporate dogs are stronger than NH's government's oath to protect the citizen. I'm sorely dissapointed. There outta be a law. Oh yeah, right.
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