Well, your state, Alabama lays it all out for everyone to see.
Take a few minutes, read upon how your state addresses wage claims.
http://www.workplacefairness.org/wage-hour-claim-AL
You can file your claim with the state, or with the Feds.
In your case, you might want to speak to a lawyer, then decide.
http://www.alabamacivilrightslawyer.com/employee-rights/unpaidwages?agree=yes
Items 10, 11, 12, 13, & 14 might interest you and others.
You appear to be a victim of wage theft, OP.
Item 14 describes how to seek your money and justice, notwithstanding the illegal indentured servant contract you signed.
10. What is Wage Theft?
Wage theft is the illegal underpayment or non-payment of wages owed to workers. Wage theft most often occurs with low-income workers.
11. How do I know if I am a victim of wage theft?
Though these circumstances are not the only way it can occur, wage theft often happens when employers refuse overtime pay, force employees to work off the clock, pay employees less than minimum wage, make illegal deductions from paychecks, misclassify employees, and fail to pay employees at all. Things to consider:
-Are you working over 40 hours a week and not getting overtime pay?
-Are you being misclassified as an independent contractor?
-Are you being paid less than $7.25/hour and not receiving tips?
-Have you not received payment for time worked?
-Are there deductions on your paycheck that seem irregular or that you do not recognize?
12. How are my rights being violated if I am a victim of wage theft?
Wage theft can violate provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which requires a federal minimum wage and requires employers to provide for overtime pay for people working over 40 hours per week.
13. How can I avoid falling victim to wage theft?
The first step is to keep careful track of your pay and know what is being deducted from your paycheck. Know how many hours you have worked and make sure each hour is being accounted for on your paycheck. It is also helpful to know your rights regarding work and overtime pay. If you work over 40 hours a week, ensure that you are being paid proper overtime wages for the amount of time over 40 hours.
Unionizing is also a way to avoid wage theft. Union workers negotiate a contract to receive pay, and if wage theft is occurring then union advocates can challenge the wages being paid. Unions also provide an outlet for expressing concern or complaining about employer wages.
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14. I think I am a victim of wage theft. What can I do?
You can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division, and include information regarding your job title, pay, hours, and additional information from pay stubs and other payment information. You can also pursue your case at a state level, with state labor and employment division resources.
