Employer Failed to Pay for All Hours on a Final Paycheck

My question involves labor and employment law for the state of: Alabama

I worked at a hotel for 1 week. My hours were 38.5. My paycheck only included 19.25 hours. I was not able to clock until on shift #4, but hours for the other days were well documented by email. When I asked about the hours, I was told they would be happy to release my last check--the remaining 19.25 hours--after I returned a key. I had mailed the key right after I quit, but of course they said they did not get it. Nowhere in the handbook does it say pay will be docked for non-return of company items, but it does state they need to be returned. Am I entitled to my last pay???

Yes, you are. But the sad fact is that you're not in the right state for this to happen easily, if at all.

Your state's DOL does not manage wage claims. Your options are to file a wage claim with the Federal DOL or to sue in small claims. The Federal DOL will only support Federal minimum wage, if that matters to you.

I would advise you to talk to the federal wage and hour unit in your area first. Yes, they are spread thin and they have a lot to do but they do try to help if they can. Sometimes a call from them, and they will usually do this for you, will inspire the employer to write that final check and save you the trouble of taking them to small claims court.