Alejandro's Story

Alejandro had been contracted by Owen to do some construction work at a rate of $80 a day. Alejandro worked from 9am to 5pm six days a week and he was initially paid at the end of every week by Owen. After working several weeks without being paid, Alejandro received a check from Owen for $500 which he attempted to cash at a Check Cashing Store. Shortly after that, Alejandro received a letter from the Check Cashing Store stating that the check had no funds and that he now owed the store the original $500 that was paid on the check as well as an additional $40 penalty fee.

Alejandro paid the money back to The Check Cashing Store to avoid any immediate problems, thinking that he would then call Owen, explain what happened, and be repaid, but, despite numerous calls, Owen did not pick up the phone or return any of Alejandro’s messages. Alejandro, who, at this point, was now owed for six weeks of unpaid work totaling $3,420, stopped going to work, continuing to call Owen for the funds that were owed

Eventually, Owen reluctantly paid Alejandro $400 of the amount owed, but refused to pay anymore, denying that he owed Alejandro any more money. Alejandro is still owed $3,020 for work that he completed over six months ago.