Can a farmer deduct repairs from a farm hand’s paycheck without knowledge or agreement?

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Can a farmer deduct repairs from a farm hand’s paycheck without knowledge or agreement?

I work for a farmer. A piece of equipment did some slight damage to an overhead door. The farmer deducted the bill 300 from my paycheck. Can he do this? I did not sign any documents upon hire related to damages.

Asked on December 6, 2016 under Employment Labor Law, Iowa

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 7 years ago | Contributor

In IA, an employer cannot deduct or withhold wages from an worker’s paycheck for any losses indurred due to breakage, damage to property, etc, that are not attributable to the employee’s willful or intentional disregard of their employer’s interests. In other words, an employee cannot be held financially liable for accidental acts. Other than those that the employee agrees, in writing, to be held responsible for.


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