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    luara's Avatar
    luara Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Oct 29, 2008, 08:01 AM
    Is it illegal for an employer to deduct wages.
    Recently a package wasn't mailed properly and my boss said that since we had to resend the package I had to pay for it:mad: personally or it would be deducted out of my check... can anyone tell me where I can find information on the legality of this situation...

    I live in an at will employement state, but I think that its illegal... Please help!
    Emland's Avatar
    Emland Posts: 2,468, Reputation: 496
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    #2

    Oct 29, 2008, 08:07 AM

    At will means you don't have much protection. He can reduce your wages as long as it doesn't fall below minimum wage until the amount he feels he is owed is "paid back."

    You are free to resign if you feel it is unfair, but the unemployment commission won't find you eligible for benefits.
    ScottGem's Avatar
    ScottGem Posts: 64,966, Reputation: 6056
    Computer Expert and Renaissance Man
    		  
    #3

    Oct 29, 2008, 08:12 AM

    If a mistake you made cost the company a specific amount of money that can be easily shown, then yes he can deduct reimbursement from your wages.
    Wildsporty's Avatar
    Wildsporty Posts: 445, Reputation: 38
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    #4

    Oct 31, 2008, 06:55 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by luara View Post
    Recently a package wasnt mailed properly and my boss said that since we had to resend the package i had to pay for it:mad: personally or it would be deducted out of my check... can anyone tell me where i can find information on the legality of this situation...

    i live in an at will employement state, but i think that its illegal... Please help!
    Which state do you live in. Some states do not allow deductions for this reason. Some states do.

    SM
    excon's Avatar
    excon Posts: 21,482, Reputation: 2992
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    #5

    Oct 31, 2008, 07:26 AM
    Hello laura:

    Unless they plan to share profits with you, then they cannot deduct any amounts due to "mistakes". If "mistakes" were made, it's either lack of training, or lack of supervision. BOTH of those ARE the responsibility of management.

    In fact, "mistakes" by employees are often times - no make that MOST times, the reasons a company fails. THOSE "mistakes" are directly attributable to management, although they'll blame everybody else for their demise.

    Can you imagine if employers were allowed to require their employees to pay for their "mistakes" but the owners take all the profits?? Nope. Not in this country.

    excon

    PS> (edited) Now, it IS true, they can fire you for any reason at all. And, jobs aren't easy to get these days. So, you'll have to make the decision whether you want to DO anything about it. Course, I don't know how much money we're talking about here. If it ain't much, and you NEED your job, swallow it.
    Wildsporty's Avatar
    Wildsporty Posts: 445, Reputation: 38
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    #6

    Oct 31, 2008, 07:31 AM

    I agree with Ex-Con although there are some mistakes that are allowed to be deducted in some states. It depends on what the mistake is and in which state it is made.

    Cash register mistakes are deductible in some states, damages to equipment and breakage of dishes are also deductible in some states.

    I do not think the senerio above is deductible but would like to know the state and check the statutes to be sure.

    Shirley
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