Unpaid overtime

The overtime I worked during the period of 6/15-6/30 totaling about $700 should have been paid on my 7/15 check. It was not included in my check and a case was submitted to my HR dept. My direct supervisor also called them and was told that the people who did not receive a check at all were first priority and then those who received partial payment. There is obviously a huge problem in the payroll dept if some people haven't even received a pay check. The resolution was for the overtime to be paid with the next check on 7/29. It again has not been included in today's check. When I called them again this morning, they said they would try to cut an off period check to be paid at the end of next week. At what point do I have legal recourse?

It sounds like they don't have enough money to pay the workers their regular salaries let alone overtime.

Yes they should pay you your overtime within a reasonable time. But since you are still working there I would approach this situation lightly. Start off with a letter to HR or the President stating that you would like your overtime paid within a reasonable time. Tell them you understand that they are having payroll problems but you deserve to be compensated for the time you put in.

If they ask you to work more overtime explain to them that you cannot until you are paid for the overtime that you worked weeks ago.

If they don't pay seek advise from an attorney. Maybe the threat of a lawsuit and losing a good employee will make them pay.