What should I do when not being paid the agreed amount?

manpreet Best Answer 2 years ago

I am working on a temporary job that was suppose to be a stipend of X amount. I am now being paid Y which is 10% less than X as well as a retirement plan being taken out of my pay that I did not agree to. I have the amount I should be paid in writing in an email.

What steps should I take to make sure I am not being short changed or paying for unwanted retirement plans?

UPDATE: The retirement plan OPERS is required. I was not aware of this when I accepted the position but when researching my school's policy it is mandatory.

UPDATE2: I was reassured in writing from my adviser that I will receive the money within a few weeks.

manpreet 2 years ago

Initially, assume it's an honest mistake.

Talk to HR (phone or in person, not by email). Tell them there's a mistake with your pay and ask them to fix it.

If they say it's not a mistake, produce the email and re-iterate your position.

If they don't fix it after that, quit*.

This entire process should happen over at most 2 days. Do not let them delay any part of it.

Separately, about the retirement plan, if you don't want it then just ask HR how you opt out of it. And then do so.

*Or, if your circumstances don't allow you to just walk out, start looking for a new job immediately, and get out as soon as you can.