If my employer wantsreimbursement from for money stolen when I was out sick, is this legal?
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If my employer wantsreimbursement from for money stolen when I was out sick, is this legal?
I am a manager of a wireless cellphone company and we had some money stolen when I was out sick for 3 days. When I got back was when it was discovered missing because nobody deposited the money in our bank. Our owner says that he is holding me responsible for it and that I have to pay it back since I manage the store. I would like to know what my legal rights are and is what they are trying to do illegal?
Asked on January 21, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, Washington
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
While seemingly unfair it is legal. The reason is that most employment relationships are what is known as "at will". What this means is that as a general rule an employer can hire or fire someone for any reason or no reason at all, as well has increase/decrease salary/hours, promote/demote, and generally impose requirements as they see fit. In turn an employee can choose to work (or continue to work) for an employer or not. The exceptions to this would be if there is a stated company policy contrary to the way in which your situation is being handled, or there is a union/employment agreement that does not allow for such action, or this situation has arisen due to some type of workplace discrimination.
Note: Your employer may not automatically deduct any sums that they are holding you responsible for from your paycheck without your permission (unless company policy or an employment/union contract allows for this).
Bottom line, if you want to stay you must pay.
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