I worked for a company on a ‘trial basis’ and attended more than 10 meetings, did work they used. I was desperate for a job, and they wanted to ‘weigh’ fit. They offered me a job but laid me off in 2 months with no severance. This is in New York. Can I ask them to pay me for 1 month of unpaid work? I’m talking to lawyers in NY – some say I can claim it. Not sure about the process. Has anyone been through this?
Can I ask them to pay me for 1 month of work that I did unpaid? Yes, if the company benefited from the work. Unpaid internships have strict rules. Extended interviews are a thing, but not 10 meetings over a month. And work samples should be a knowledge test with no current application to a business problem. Just file a wage claim with the labor department in New York. They’ll investigate.
Gotcha! I wasn’t sure if a government agency would do such an investigation… thank you!
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You should definitely pursue this. It’s not fair to work for free.
Dale said:
You should definitely pursue this. It’s not fair to work for free.
Thanks! I just want to make sure I handle it correctly.
Dale said:
You should definitely pursue this. It’s not fair to work for free.
Thanks! I just want to make sure I handle it correctly.
Talk to a lawyer if you need more guidance. They can help you through the process.
Yes, definitely file a claim. The labor department can help you get what you’re owed.