I started a new job two weeks ago, everything seemed to be going great, I got along great with my co workers, I liked my bosses, I enjoyed what I was doing and I was excited to be there. The only issue I can think of was when my trainer told me to clock out after the store was closed so we could continue our closing routine, at that point I was told we were expected to work off the clock and we wouldn’t receive any pay after 10:00PM I told him to be careful with that as it’s highly illegal and the company could face huge fines if caught. I was genuinely saying it from a place of concern, hoping it would be received positively and possibly spark a change in the right direction (naivety, I know) I did however ignore some red flags that I pushed to the side because I was desperate and I had hoped things were different.
To start they had me sigh an NDA which is illegal in the state I’m in and I knew that, but I signed it anyways because again, desperate. I ignored the “we’re a big family here” and I stomped on all of the things I typically doubt because I’ve been looking for a job for over a year and this was the first one I found.
I was very open with them when they hired me, I disclosed my Gout and told them I had to sit often and they said that wasn’t an issue. I noticed the stares I would get from the owner, but I dismissed them, as I didn’t want to read into things and assumed if they had an issue they’d say something.
I was never provided a pay stub and was only paid in cash, but I was in the marijuana industry so that’s not too uncommon. I feel like I’m being punished for doing nothing wrong, I went above and beyond and I am genuinely a hard worker that takes pride in what they do (not saying others don’t, but it’s something I’ve always took pride in) when they interviewed me they were just beyond excited that I even showed up.
I was part time, so I only worked 5 hour shifts so I assume they wanted us clocked out by 10 to avoid mandated brakes but I also didn’t receive rest periods.
I’m looking into taking legal action, but I don’t know if I have any ground to stand on. Located in Washington state.