Independant Contractor Payments Withheld?

[ElizabethSax]

I live in Arizona and work as an independantly contracted mystery shopper. I have past due payments that date back to August of 2005 with one company in particular. I've called and spoken with 'the operator' who has informed me that the company is currently not paying any shoppers for past due payroll, but refused to give me an answer as to why. I have been leaving numerous messages for over a month with the company regarding the issue, and no one has yet to return my calls. They operate out of California, and I'm in Arizona. Is this legal?

 

[Duranie]

Your best bet is to probably file a small claim. Since you are in independent contractor I don't think you are protected by the Az Dept of Labor but you could certainly call them and see. If you sue them in small claims you will have to file in their jurisdiction in CA.