I was hired as a server at this place, and recently the manager told me they were hiring a new prep cook and asked me to take the job because I have previous experience. I've been doing the prep cook position (which is supposed to be 17/hr, I'm still getting paid 15/hr as on paper I'm still a server) and for the past month and a half the manager has been pushing back the interview saying he hasn't had time, but assures me I've got the job. Almost two weeks ago, he told me there wouldn't be a prep cook position anymore because upper management decided it wasn't necessary. He's still been asking me to do prep cook work, and has told me we'll “talk about my options” but hasn't made time to speak to me since. I dont want to go too ballistic, in case the talk includes me getting a raise, but if it doesn't I'm wondering if a labor rights attorney could help me get back pay? I have text messages to/from him about inventory counts, and texts from the other cooks sending me recipes, as well as every coworker watching me do the work and telling me they'll act as a “witness” if it ever gets to that.
TLDR: I was told I'd get a promotion and asked to start doing the work of that job without the increase in pay, then told I wouldn't get the promotion anymore and asked to continue doing the work. Can I get legal help or should I just cut my loses and learn from my mistake?