Legal Question in Business Law in Wyoming

Back pay

I will be starting my 4th year of teaching in the same district this fall. A week ago, I received a letter telling me what my salary would be. I noticed that they were paying me for a year's less experience than what I had. I went to the business office and found that I have been paid a year less for the past three years. While they upgraded my rate for this coming year, they said I was not entitled to back pay. I signed a contract for each year with good intent. I kept a copy of my letter for this year in which the business manager stated that I should have been credited one more year, and then he put the wrong information in the letter, as he had on previous contracts. He says they can't go back because the fiscal years are over and I have lost the money.

I have a meeting with the Superintendent on Friday. Do I have a leg to stand on?


Asked on 8/04/04, 4:48 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles Aspinwall Charles S. Aspinwall, J.D., LLC

Re: Back pay

They owe you the rate of pay you are qualified for. A mutual mistake such as this is the primary responsibility of the person who made the mistake, even though you may have perpetuated it through oversight. You do not give up what you are owed because a particular fiscal year has passed. They owe you the money. Stick to your guns. Be prepared to go to the Wy labor board if necessary.

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Answered on 8/04/04, 5:15 pm


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