Has anyone had issues getting paid as a contractor?

I signed a contractor agreement at a wellness clinic where I’m supposed to get paid every two weeks. But now my boss is saying there’s a buildup process and I haven’t been paid the full amount. He controls when I work, which clients I see, and even how the money is collected. This feels more like an employee thing. He owes me about $2800, but now he’s making me sign something and pay $500 just to get my last check. What can I do?

Sounds like you’re in a tough spot. If it’s not in the contract, he can’t just change the rules like that. Maybe check with a lawyer or file a wage claim?

Drew said:
Sounds like you’re in a tough spot. If it’s not in the contract, he can’t just change the rules like that. Maybe check with a lawyer or file a wage claim?

Yeah, I didn’t expect this. Filing a wage claim sounds like a good idea. Thanks for the tip!

Drew said:
Sounds like you’re in a tough spot. If it’s not in the contract, he can’t just change the rules like that. Maybe check with a lawyer or file a wage claim?

What exactly is a wage claim?

@Ridge
It’s when you file with the labor board because your pay wasn’t handled right. They look into it for you.

That’s messed up. You shouldn’t have to pay to get your paycheck. He can’t just change things like that after the fact.

Ridge said:
That’s messed up. You shouldn’t have to pay to get your paycheck. He can’t just change things like that after the fact.

Exactly. I don’t know how he thinks this is okay. I’m definitely going to fight it.

Honestly, it sounds like you’re being treated like an employee, not a contractor. You could be owed even more if they find you were misclassified.

Sam said:
Honestly, it sounds like you’re being treated like an employee, not a contractor. You could be owed even more if they find you were misclassified.

That’s what I’ve been thinking too. I’m gonna look into that and see if I can push back on it.

You don’t have to sign anything just to get your paycheck. That’s your money, and he can’t force you into another contract for it.

Riley said:
You don’t have to sign anything just to get your paycheck. That’s your money, and he can’t force you into another contract for it.

Totally agree. I’m not signing anything without some legal advice first.

If he doesn’t pay up, you can take him to small claims court. Sounds like you’ve got a solid breach of contract case.

Angel said:
If he doesn’t pay up, you can take him to small claims court. Sounds like you’ve got a solid breach of contract case.

Yeah, I’m prepared to go that route if I have to. Hopefully it won’t come to that, though.