Can an employer just withold any amount of wages?

I am over 18 and I work for a well established landscaping company. The company operates in a legal fashion and is very well known.

A few weeks ago I was working for the company at a residential account. Unfortunately while I was edging a flowerbed with a weed eater I kicked up a small stone and it broke a window. The window cost $455 The company is bonded and insured.....The company is taking $75 per pay out of my checks until the window is paid for..... can they do that? I did not sign any type of employee contract nor was I given any employee handbook that I signed off on that displayed any such policy.

My opinion is they are making me pay for it...so they don't have to make a claim with their insurance company.

Thank you...

1 answer  |  asked Sep 7, 2009 5:07 PM [EST]  |  applies to Ohio

Answers (1)

Bruce Elfvin
The company may not deduct any sums that would put your hourly wages below minimum wage. In addition, the company should have some policies which allow you to see what the amount really is and why you would have to pay without some notice. In essence, if this is the policy, did you receive it, know about it and agree to it before the event. The company is well aware that taking the money out of a worker's pay will have a bigger effect on the worker than the company.

The company's insurance has a deductible and this may be $500 so it is not covered.

If you need to talk to an employment attorney explain your situation and the attonrey may give you a consult without charge.

posted by Bruce Elfvin  |  Sep 8, 2009 08:25 AM [EST]

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