Wage dispute resolution is one of the most common categories in labor law, dealing with an employer's failure to pay, delay, or underpayment of remuneration due to an employee. This service covers claims for current salary, final settlement (upon dismissal), overtime work, compensation for unused leave, and promised bonuses/premiums. The Labor Code of Georgia strictly protects an employee's right to remuneration and stipulates that delaying salary payments incurs a penalty for each overdue day (at a rate of 0.07%).
Resolving wage disputes requires detailed financial and legal analysis. Employers often try to avoid paying overtime by incorrectly recording working hours or citing the "voluntary" nature of bonuses. Lawyers registered on Legal.ge will assist you in accurately calculating the debt, obtaining evidence (bank statements, timesheets), and forcibly recovering the due amount through court or negotiation.
What does the Wage Dispute Resolution service cover?
- Debt Calculation: Accurate calculation of base salary, overtime, holiday work, and compensation for unused leave.
- Penalty Claims: Calculating and claiming the statutory penalty (0.07%) for each day of delay.
- Forced Downtime Compensation: Demanding full compensation for the period of forced absence in cases of illegal dismissal.
- Bonus and Allowance Disputes: Legal justification for the payment of premiums provided for by the employment contract or internal regulations.
- Court Representation: Preparing lawsuits and defending the client's interests in courts of all instances.
- Enforcement Mechanisms: Working with the enforcement bureau after obtaining a court judgment to actually recover the funds.
Common scenarios requiring this service
A typical scenario involves an employee who was dismissed but did not receive their last month's salary or compensation for 2 years of accumulated leave. Immediate legal response is needed here. Another scenario is "hidden" overtime, where an employee regularly stayed in the office after hours, but the company refuses to pay. A third case involves company insolvency, where debt recognition is needed within bankruptcy proceedings.
Georgian Legal Framework
Wage disputes are regulated by the Organic Law of Georgia "Labor Code of Georgia" (Article 31 - Form, Place, and Time of Remuneration). The law imperatively establishes that final settlement upon termination of employment must occur no later than 7 calendar days. Violation of this deadline leads to penalties. The statute of limitations for wage claims is 1 year from the termination of the employment relationship.
Step-by-step service process
The process begins with an audit of financial documentation (contract, bank statement). The lawyer prepares a calculation and sends a pre-litigation letter to the employer. Often, employers agree to pay the debt at this stage to avoid court costs. If no agreement is reached, a lawsuit is filed. The court process may involve appointing an accounting expert.
Why choose a specialist on Legal.ge?
In wage disputes, time is money. On Legal.ge, you will find lawyers with successful experience in such disputes who know how to compel a dishonest employer to fulfill their financial obligations.
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