spainboy

I work in a hotel. Im getting ripped off at work big time at the moment. My contract was renewed in Jan and they paid me my finiquito but apparently forgot to add on my unused holidays so that was 600 euros short. Secondly the finiquito hasnt even gone into my bank because apparently they missed it so everyone got theirs about the 24th Jan, I still havent got anything.
Today I went onto my online banking and my normal monthly wage is 250 short of what it should be so not only do they owe me this finiquito they have paid me short this month.!!!!
There is a woman at work whos in the reception who is in the 'syndicato' whatever that is? Is that some sort of union?
What do I do with subtle steps to threaten them and what can receptionist in the syndicato do?

rachelk

The sindicato is the union.

Perhaps the woman in reception can get you advice from the union but unless you are a member they won't represent you, you need a lawyer.

spainboy

Really? So your saying unless IM a member then the receptionist cannot help me? Are you sure? I thought the Union was a representitive for the work place!!!
Definately correct on that are you?

cricketman

That's how all unions work. You pay a small fee out of your wage packet each month to be a member. Its something you opt into.

Yes you need a lawyer or to go and denounce them.

CBANDY

You have to be an individual member. I joined the U.G.T. last year. Not very expensive but handy if you ever need their lawers.

spainboy

SO how would I go about doing that? Is this something I can do now for stuff thats owed to me from last month? Can the receptionist get me to join.? I knew one girl ages ago that paid something like 7 euros a month.

rachelk

If your worklace has a Comité de Empresa, then the union will offer you advice, but no, they will not represent you. Yes I am sure of that. That is why people pay union fees.

You can sign up for either of the big unions online. Google UGT or CCOO. However it may be that they will require a mimimum membership period before they will offer free legal representation. That is to prevent people signing up purely to make use of their lawyers and then leaving again.

You may be better to engage the services of a lawyer yourself.

cricketman

Ask your work colleagues

spainboy

HOw much roughly would a lawyer cost to sort all this out?

rachelk

I have no idea. Perhaps you should ask one. Many offer free first consultation.

On the other hand, if this woman in reception is actually the staff representative on the Comité, she can ask the union for advice on you behalf before you decide whether to proceed.

CBANDY

You are looking at about 1,000 euros before any lawer will take you on.

agoreira

Don't they do "no win, no fee" there?

SueG

That concept is unheard of here!

reggiedh

Have you approached the management and asked them for an explanation?

Madridboy

Go to the court house and put an official denouncia, maybe when they recieve it they´ll sort things out quickly or you´ll just have to sit back and wait for the court. Have all your info ready when you go and ask advice from the courts official lawyers as to if you´ll be entitled to apply for a free lawyer, if you´re unemployed or on a low wage you´ll be able to apply for (and probably get) one.