Tag: Wages

Wages refer to the compensation employees receive for their work, including hourly pay, salaries, overtime, bonuses, and deductions. This tag covers essential topics such as wage laws, minimum wage requirements, fair pay practices, paycheck disputes, and workers’ rights. Explore expert insights and legal guidance to understand wage policies, ensure fair compensation, and navigate employment-related financial matters.

  • Salary for this Job Was What⁉️ Unemployed and Wondering 😲

    Salary for this Job Was What⁉️ Unemployed and Wondering 😲

    Wages and salary for unemployed workers matter, especially when seeking a job offer. On the other hand, not knowing what you are worth can be a problem.

    Even worse, the fear of remaining unemployed can cause job seekers to panic and take a low ball proposal.

    Knowing about the following information is extremely relevant to those anticipating a job offer or needing assistance in the negotiation process.

    For these reasons, a lot of people start searching for salary reports online. Some, pay for a specialized report because paying for a report specific to an industry or employer feels different.

    That said, I believe a lot of these same people are wasting their time, money, and energy because this information is free and even more importantly, unbiased.

    Salary For Minnesota Jobs?

    Before paying or subscribing to a bogus website about a salary for debate, check out these free resources:

    The reason I like the website previously mentioned is because it allows me to view wages and salaries for specific counties within Minnesota.

    Also, I can look at data specific to an occupation, industry, and firm size. Even more importantly for those who are unemployed or seeking benefits here in Minnesota, the reports are free and updated on a quarterly basis.

    Hourly Wage For MN Jobs?

    Let’s be real. Salaries and wages mean one thing: how much are you getting paid. Start by learning about “median“. No, not your shirt size, but a term used by those crunching numbers.

    To get things started, I recommend checking out data from this link and checking back:

    Although information from BLS is likely more detailed, it it isn’t updated nearly as often as Minnesota’s site. But, old news can sometimes be just as important as new news.

    Anyways, the easy way to think about an occupational wage median is to think of it as the middle. In other words, what are most people earning at a job similar to the one you are looking for?

    Of course, the hard way of thinking about your wage median is by looking here for Wikipedia answers.

    Again, the reason I am bringing this issue up is because unemployed workers need to be prepared for a job offer.

    Salary For Summary

    To summarize, I desperately want to see more unemployed people use the websites above to assist them in their job search process so they know how to response when a job offer comes through.

  • My Unemployment Base Period in MN was Wrong

    My Unemployment Base Period in MN was Wrong

    What is your unemployment Base Period in MN and what does it mean?

    An Unemployment Base Period is used to calculate how much in benefits a person will receive on a weekly basis.

    Basically, DEED (the unemployment office in Minnesota) reviews the last four completed calendar quarters of wages.  The more money a person made in the last 4 quarters, the more in benefits a person will be eligible for.

    Because the statute is so darn complicated, DEED gets these types of calculations wrong.  Also, employers fail at reporting wages and indirectly cause problems for applicants seeking benefits.

    Thus, appealing an unemployment base period error can be worth it.

    Unemployment Base Period:  Pinpoint Reasons

    In my practice, I see employees focus way to much time on their base period when instead, they should focus on their appeal for eligibility.

    Other times, I see people overwhelmed with appeal issues and completely forget about the wages impacting their benefits.

    So you know, an Unemployment Base Period in MN can change for a number of reasons.  Some of the most common reasons include commission schedules, injuries, and leaves of absences.

    Calculate Your Base Period

    In Minnesota, here is the most common method for determining a base period.

    • If you become unemployed between February 1 and March 31, the Unemployment Base Period is January 1 through December 31 
    • (of the previous year).
    • If you become unemployed between May 1 and June 30, the base period is April 1 through March 31.
    • If you become unemployed between August 1 and September 30, the Unemployment Base Period in MN is July 1 through June 30.
    • If you become unemployed between November 1 and December 31, the Unemployment Base Period in MN is October 1 through September 30.

    UI Base Period Final Thoughts

    As you can see, this issue is extremely tricky and bares certain risks that may inadvertently initiate an audit or instigate an appeal.

    Again, check out Minnesota statute 268.035 and be very prudent with the exchange of paperwork or evidence, because DEED and employers make mistakes.

    I wish you the very best.

  • Back Pay: Unemployment Tip # 009

    Back Pay: Unemployment Tip # 009

    Getting back pay while unemployed seems like a great thing, right?  In Minnesota, paid back can have unintended negative consequences, specifically, as it relates to unemployment benefits.

    If your job ended and you get a check, start asking questions. If possible, never cash the check until you understand all of the ramifications. Of course, it is difficult to defend against an automatic direct deposit.

    On the other hand, Applicants can inadvertently agree or trigger “back pay” ramifications described under Minnesota statute 268.035.

    Other Laws Use the Term Back Pay Too

    This term is used in dozens of other unemployment laws too. For example, the laws for wages and delayed payments under statute 268.085.

    As you can see, what is or is not backpay can become extremely confusing.

    Unemployment Tip # 009 –  Even if a worker or employee is no longer receiving unemployment benefits, the receipt of back pay can result in an appeal, audit or an overpayment“

    What Do you Call the Payment?

    What to call money received after a job ends is confusing. The storyline why or how money is granted is going to be unique to that specific person.  

    The harm in calling money “back pay” is the impact it will have on past and future unemployment benefits. Applicants who cash a check without considering the terms can get burned.

    For example, the terms attached to a settlement agreements, worker compensation payout, or gift can be revised, such that the documents do not trigger future problems. This means taking the negotiation process seriously.

    You Need the Money Really Bad

    Every worker should be thrilled with the opportunity of acquiring additional money from their former employer.  That isn’t the issue. Instead, the issue is what to call the money received.  

    When an employer or Minnesota DEED call the money back pay, problems can ensue.  In other words, preventing an overpayment or arguing why the receipt of money didn’t trigger back pay laws is worth exploring.

  • Wages: Unemployment Tip #009

    Wages: Unemployment Tip #009

    Wages and unemployment benefits go hand-in-hand. The more money an employee earned, the more in unemployment benefits they can receive. Sometimes, this is where workers who get a 1099 or those collecting tips get stuck.

    That aside, here is the tip:

    Unemployment Tip # 009 –  Applicants should always be watching their mailbox for opportunities to appeal a wage determination, which does not necessarily appear online under an applicant’s benefit account”  

    In other words, after a worker or employee applies for benefits, likely they will receive a statement in the mail. Usually, the statement will show a breakdown of wages over the last four to five quarters.

    If DEED’s statement is wrong, Applicants might need to consider the pros and cons of filing an appeal.