Does an employer have to pay you wages?

[PeoplesChampGB]

So my wife recently got a job with needle, which is a customer support service that contracts out to Barnes and Noble.

Basically, from what my wife was told and what her "independent contractor" contract states, she is supposed to be paid a wage plus incentives through the points program as commission bonuses, IE you earn points through the books you sell that you can redeem for prepaid money cards.

My wife was supposed to be paid Monday, but since Barnes and Noble customer support chat launched last Thursday, we didn't think much of it because we figured they would add those few days onto this Monday's pay. No big deal.

Anyways, Needle has been refusing to answer her and her other co-workers on when they are getting paid, wages, etc. They came out today and basically said that you earn points through them that you can redeem for cash and other things. Is that legal?

[Rockie_Fresh88]

Re: Does an employer have to pay you wages?

Sounds pretty illegal to me . But I'm not a lawyer

[Jr.]

Re: Does an employer have to pay you wages?

So my wife recently got a job with needle, which is a customer support service that contracts out to Barnes and Noble.

Basically, from what my wife was told and what her "independent contractor" contract states, she is supposed to be paid a wage plus incentives through the points program as commission bonuses, IE you earn points through the books you sell that you can redeem for prepaid money cards.

My wife was supposed to be paid Monday, but since Barnes and Noble customer support chat launched last Thursday, we didn't think much of it because we figured they would add those few days onto this Monday's pay. No big deal.

Anyways, Needle has been refusing to answer her and her other co-workers on when they are getting paid, wages, etc. They came out today and basically said that you earn points through them that you can redeem for cash and other things. Is that legal?

Wage is determined by the company. She should've signed some kind of contract that stated how she would be compensated. If she didn't, the company isn't legally obligated to anything as far as I know.

[PeoplesChampGB]

Re: Does an employer have to pay you wages?

Wage is determined by the company. She should've signed some kind of contract that stated how she would be compensated. If she didn't, the company isn't legally obligated to anything as far as I know.

Her contract agreement is right on the website stating that she be paid wages plus incentives. If anything, she should still be making at least minimum wage I would think.

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: Does an employer have to pay you wages?

My wife was supposed to be paid Monday, but since Barnes and Noble customer support chat launched last Thursday, we didn't think much of it because we figured they would add those few days onto this Monday's pay. No big deal.

So what exactly is happening? Did she work Thursday-Monday? Was she working with Needle for another client before that? I've never heard of hours from over the weekend being on a paycheck issued that same Monday.

[PeoplesChampGB]

Re: Does an employer have to pay you wages?

So what exactly is happening? Did she work Thursday-Monday? Was she working with Needle for another client before that? I've never heard of hours from over the weekend being on a paycheck issued that same Monday.

The pay period is from Sunday-Saturday, meaning that Thurs, Fri, and Sat shouldve been on this past Monday's pay.

My real question is can an employer pay you on points for redemption? She gets assigned hours so its not like she is volunteering for incentives.

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: Does an employer have to pay you wages?

I'd contact your state's Department of Labor. If you are a Redditor ask on r/legaladvice

[ImTellinTim]

Re: Does an employer have to pay you wages?

It all depends on what is in the contact she signed (I assume she signed a contract before starting work). Also, you said she's an independent contractor. This means there is no employer/employee relationship here, at least on paper. So unless this goes to court and a judge determines this to be an employer/employee relationship, a lot of the labor laws won't apply.

[kehlis]

Re: Does an employer have to pay you wages?

Sounds similar to people who sell items for things like Avon, or those candle party things.

They aren't eligible for labor laws (don't get minimum wage nor are they guaranteed to get paid anything). They get paid 100% on production and even that payment is up to the company as to how it actually gets paid.

[ImTellinTim]

Re: Does an employer have to pay you wages?

I'd also add that it sounds like this company wasn't straightforward the first time she tried dealing with them. I'd get away ASAP. Good luck.

[FlyingFinn]

Re: Does an employer have to pay you wages?

According to their website, she is not entitled to any wages:

Welcome to Needle!

Needle has partnered with several internet retailers to provide shoppers with live product expertise from fans like you who know and use their products.
If selected, you will:

Chat online with customers and help them find the right products
Be compensated with points to redeem cool products

Apply Now!

[cjonesfan921]

Re: Does an employer have to pay you wages?

Sounds like it. She will probably still receive a 1099, too.

[kehlis]

Re: Does an employer have to pay you wages?

Sounds like it. She will probably still receive a 1099, too.

Absolutely, it's considered income earned.

Pretty swarms if they weren't very clear about it though.

[ANDROMADA 1]

Re: Does an employer have to pay you wages?

Sounds like it. She will probably still receive a 1099, too.

Why would she receive a 1099? Do you send T mobile a 1099 when you pay your cellphone bill? or sprint? or whoever?

A 1099 is the incorrect form per the IRM and Tax regs.

You would first have to know what tax class you are.....Never assume when it comes to men/woman and money-Andro

[ANDROMADA 1]

Re: Does an employer have to pay you wages?

Absolutely, it's considered income earned.

Pretty swarms if they weren't very clear about it though.

Not true. All income is not taxable. Most people never bother to look into it. They just assume.