Wages & Hours -
- If you feel that your employer has stiffed you on a paycheck or is having you work for time that goes unpaid, you can file a wage complaint with the PA Department of Labor & Industry. The US Department of Labor also has a division in Wilkes-Barre, where you should submit a copy of your complaint:
7 North Wilkes Barre Blvd. Stegmaier Bldg. Suite 373M
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702-5284
Phone: (570) 826-6316 1-866-4-USWAGE (1-866-487-9243)
Contractor Misclassification -
- If you are classified as an independent contractor, but receive full direction from your employer when completing daily tasks, use your employer's tools, equipment, or offices, do not own a business, and are not a traditionally exempt tradesperson like a freelancer or performer, you may actually be an employee according to state and federal law.
- Don't let your boss get away with denying your rights and paying his taxes! Workers can call the PA Bureau of Labor Law Compliance at 800-932-0665 and report the situation.
- In 2011, construction workers were granted special protections against misclassification in Pennsylvania. Misclassified construction workers should fill out this form if they feel they are misclassified as contractors.
- You have a right to report sexual harassment or discrimination on the job to the PA Human Relations Commission and the federal Equal Employment Opportunities Commission. If you are filing a complaint, it is to your benefit to file with both the state and federal commissions.
- You have a right to unemployment compensation, generally, if you are an employee who is laid off due to lack of work, unjustly fired, or if you quit for a compelling reason like unsafe working conditions or mistreatment. If you are separated from your job in northeast Pennsylvania, you should file an unemployment compensation claim with the Scranton unemployment compensation service center by calling 570-565-3048.
- If you are denied for any reason, you should write "I disagree with the decision" and send the Notice of Appeal form in immediately. You will be assigned an appeal hearing date and are entitled to representation. If you are low income, you can receive free representation for your claim by contacting North Penn Legal Services. If you do not qualify for their free legal aid, contact our hotline (570) 478-3IWW or (570) 478-3499 and we will either arrange free representation for you or help you prepare to represent yourself.
- If you are hurt at work, you can receive workers compensation to pay for lost time and doctor visits. You should file your claim right away by calling 800-482-2383, the PA Workers Compensation Claims Helpline.
- It is best to pursue workers compensation with an attorney representing you because it gets complicated. If you are low income, try contacting North Penn Legal Services for free legal aid. If you do not qualify, contact our hotline (570) 478-3IWW or (570) 478-3499 and we will either help you find representation in your area or help you prepare to represent yourself.
- If you find an unsafe work environment, you can contact state and federal agencies to request an investigation. Safety's no accident!
Occupational Safety & Health Administration -
7 North Wilkes-Barre Boulevard
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702-5241
(570) 826-6538
(570) 821-4170 FAX
PA Bureau of Occupational and Industrial Safety - 717-787-3806