New Mexico Labor Law question?

First off the crappy thing is, my employer pays me once a month. If that isn't hard enough, i recieved an email today telling me that I won't be getting paid February 1st, but on February 7th!! Thats just about 6 weeks with no paycheck!!!

Is this at all legal what my employeer is doing to all their employees?? I would think I deserve more then 24 hour notice, considering I need to pay rent and bills on the 1st of the month. Anyone know anything about New Mexico's or National Labor laws and if there is anything I can do legally?

Sorry cant help you.

In theory, yes--the lack of reasonable notice can be considered a breach of contract.

In practice, no. Labor law in the United States has been watered down over the last 30 years to the point it is all but meaningless. And what's left isn't enforced at either the national or state level--especially in states under GOP control.

It is not right or fair. But since there are no effective unions or other organizations (what there are are toothless tigers) to turn to to help protect your rights, you are pretty much without options.

Sorry to be such a downer--but that's the way it is. Good luck to you.

I'm a New Mexico atty. You need to report this to the Dept of Labor in Santa Fe 827-6827 or at the Albuquerque office at 841-9300. This sounds like a violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act, but I'd need more information to know for certain. The FSLA applies to employers with more than 20 employees as I recall.

Most salaried staff in the US are paid monthly; this isn't unusual.

While you are required to be paid for your work, a one-week delay, even with short notice, doesn't rise to the level where you could take legal action. Assuming they do pay on the 7th, you'd waste you time trying to take action.

I suggest you talk to your boss, and tell him/her that because your wages are delayed, you will be behind with your bills, and will incur charges. Ask him to have the company recompense you for those charges.

This shouldn't impact your credit rating, since you'll only be a few days late with payments; but I would contact all your creditors and let them know that your payment will be a few days late because of a problem with the payroll at your company.

I think there is potential for federal labor law violations. Contact the labor department for your area. They can tell you for sure.