My employer laid me off 6/28/16 and did pay me the last 2 weeks on 7/1/16. They also offered 2 weeks

I'm a little confused by your question - you said they DID pay you for the last 2 weeks, but then you said "still no pay for working or severance." As Mr. Schofield indicated, you have a right to recover your wages for any time actually worked.

With respect to the severance, however, it would depend on whether you gave them anything in exchange for it -- for example, if you signed an agreement releasing them from potential claims, or agreeing not to say bad things about the company. If there was no agreement and nothing done by you in exchange for the severance, however, then legally they probably can change their minds about paying you the severance. If the severance is the only issue (not unpaid wages for hours worked) then you are better off just continuing to follow up with them yourself, rather than spending money on attorney's fees.

posted by Phyllis Towzey  |  Jul 12, 2016 06:27 AM [EST]

You have a claim for the unpaid wages. For the unpaid severance, maybe, and likely only if there is a signed agreement to that effect. Give then another week or so and if no pay is received, contact a lawyer. Claims for unpaid wages come with the ability to recover both attorney's fees and costs incurred.

Best of luck.

posted by Arthur Schofield  |  Jul 12, 2016 05:13 AM [EST]  [ Best Answer - selected by asker ]