Hi there- my friend started a job and then felt very uncomfortable and sexually harassed there - she quit before her first payday and before signing a contract. Does she still get paid for the hours worked? If so, any advice on getting her employer to agree to pay her with minimal condrontation and resistance?

She never signed a contract, so technically she never worked there. The employer would be legally obliged to pay if there was proof of her employment, seeing as how there is not, I wouldn't expect to see a paycheck without a fight, that is unless they are generous.

In this case I would think there's good evidence for the existence of a verbal contract. Presumably your friend and her employer agreed to a wage or salary, the employer let her onto the business property to do something (if not work, then what?), and during those few days must have requested that she perform some tasks. So I think she has a good case for her pay. She should call the payroll department and inquire about her wages. If they are not forthcoming she can sue in small claims court.

I don't think there is any such thing as 'technically never worked there' if someone was on the premises during working hours, doing work or being trained. It has always been my understanding that payment is due, regardless of who quit or was let go or what happened.