So, basically the startup that I'm working for has been operating for about 5 years now, and is family owned by a husband/wife couple. Over the summer they ran into financial trouble, and asked the 5 of us to take half-pay for an unspecified point in time. Since they are sweet and we believed with the companies vision we all agreed. But we did so under certain circumstances. If we would all make the sacrifice to basically be working for minimum wage then we wanted to make sure that we'd be taken care. We suggested the following: 1. Severance package 2. Raises upon the return of salary 3. Increase in stock options 4. Transparency w/ company operations. Basically a written plan of "how" we we're going to get our salaries back. This was all agreed upon. But it was never discussed or put in writing. It was continually put off. We didn't think much of it because we trust the couple very much, but they kept deflecting requests to revisit them, or talk about any point in detail. Particularly the "plan." Recently one of us pressed the issue enough to where he was able to get the couple to address many of our points. They shot the severance pay, said they'd revisit discussion on raises when they were ready, and agreed to the stock options and mapped out a vesting plan, but stated they don't have the finances to make it official (lawyer fees) so for now it's just verbal. This all seemed reasonable, but they still had no plan or strategy on how to go about getting your salaries back. This office has been a close group that considers themselves a family. But, it's also comprised of employees on work visas. Meaning, if we leave the company, then we must leave the country...so...it's not even an option for us. Does it sound like we are getting taken advantage of? What should our next steps be?
Even if you get everything you want and in writing, it doesn’t mean anything if the company folds. Taken advantage of, maybe. Next steps, interview.
Yes you are being taken advantage of. You should record your hours worked. It sounds like you may not be making enough to be considered a salaried employee, especially if you’re in California. After you leave you should consider contacting an employment lawyer to see if you have a case for back pay for overtime or for hourly minimum wage.
How much do you need to make to be a Salaried employee in California?
They are 100% taking advantage of you. They verbally agreed to something, but then avoided putting it in writing, and are now backtracking on parts of the original verbal agreement, and still refuse to put it in writing? These are not the actions of people who respect you. Seeming sweet and trustworthy but then doing stuff like this is classic manipulative behavior. They probably do not ever plan to follow through on their promises, and will just abuse your good faith for as long as you keep putting up with it. Your next steps should be to apply to new jobs. If you can't find one, going back to your home country is still better than letting them take you for a ride.
Look at fyre festival documentary and see what happened to people developing fyre app.
I did actually, and that motivated me to make this post. lol
Sounds like someone needs Evian
Unsure if you’re actually being taking advantage of but it’s time to look for a new job — it’s a very real possibility they won’t be around much longer
Lol, sounds like you're being scammed. Next thing you know they'll ask you to bring money from home.
After 3 months, 1 week and 4 days.
How is it legal for the employee on a work visa? Doesn't that require a stated rate of pay? This is no good.
Yes, people on visas working for less than prevailing wage is illegal! OP is being taken advantage of.
Always get it in writing
Look for a different job