How to File a Complaint Against Your Employer

With unemployment rising and it become ever more difficult to keep your job, some employers are getting away with treating employees badly. However, as an employee you have rights and it is important to know how to file a complaint against your employer in the case that they do something illegal or wrong. Learn how to file a complaint against your employer so that if you find yourself in a difficult situation at work you know how to protect yourself.

Instructions

1. To Hire A Lawyer or Not?
   The first thing you need to decide when you are thinking about how to file a complaint against your employer is decide whether or not you will hire a lawyer. Most lawyers will not take cases unless the damages are in excess of $10,000 and many experts say with the legal fees it isn't worth it unless it is greater than that amount. If the amount is over that amount when you go to file a complaint against your employer find a trusted labor attorney. If you are unsure of the damages, go to a lawyer who offers free consultations and find out what they project the damages are. That is the first step to file a complaint against your employer

2. State Labor Board
   If you will not be hiring a lawyer, the next thing you need to do to file a complaint against your employer is to file the complaint with the state labor board. This will be the official record of your complaint against your employer.

3. Consider Small Claims Court
   If you are suing your employer for under $5000 or believe their is $5000 or less owed to you, you can consider taking your employer to small claims court. There is a small fee in small claims court when you go up against your employer and file a complaint against your employer but you can recover the money you are owed that way.

4. Record Everything!
   As soon as you think you may want to file a complaint against your employer keep records of everything. The only way you can prove your claim is with evidence so keep evidence of everything. If you have good records you may be able to work things out without going to small claims court or the state labor board.

Tips & Warnings

• Always stay calm and try and work things out out of the courtroom first!

• Find out if other employees have been treated in the same way and band together to make a stronger claim