Can an employer cut hourly wages of 1 employee and not others, with no fault in the employee whose wages are being cut?
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Can an employer cut hourly wages of 1 employee and not others, with no fault in the employee whose wages are being cut?
Asked on October 24, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, Michigan
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Unless you have protection under a union agreement, employment contract, or this action conflicts with existing company policy, your employer can reduce your wages. In an "at will" employment setting, an employer can dictate there terms and conditions of employment as it sees fit; this includes a pay cut. If you object, you are freeto quit. As a general rule, employees must not be treated equally or the same. Your only recourse here would be if your treatment was due to some form of actionable discrimination. For example, if you wage was reduced due to your religious beliefs or because of your race. Otherwise, I'm afraid that your employer's action is legal.
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