Can my boss make me pay for money she thinksI stole from the safe?
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Can my boss make me pay for money she thinksI stole from the safe?
The store I work at has no cameras and $50 went missing from the safe. I did not steal it but she is making everyone split the difference.
Asked on July 26, 2011 Arizona
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Yes, the fact is that as unfair as it seems your employer can require that missing money be repaid by employees. That is unless this action violates an employment contract, company policy, a union agreement or is the result of workplace discrimination. In an at will employment situation an employer can impose virtually any rules/regulations, etc. that it seems fit; this includes making employees chip in for money that is missing.
However, even though you can be made to pay for this, your employer cannot deduct any amounts that you "owe" from your paycheck (unless they have the prior right to do so as provided in the company handbook, you give your consent, etc).
Bottom line, while there can be no paycheck deduction for this money, you still can be asked to pay it. If you don't then as an at will employee you can be fired for this (in fact you can be fired for any reason or no reason at all).
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Yes, the fact is that as unfair as it seems your employer can require that missing money be repaid by employees. That is unless this action violates an employment contract, company policy, a union agreement or is the result of workplace discrimination. In an at will employment situation an employer can impose virtually any rules/regulations, etc. that it seems fit; this includes making employees chip in for money that is missing.
However, even though you can be made to pay for this, your employer cannot deduct any amounts that you "owe" from your paycheck (unless they have the prior right to do so as provided in the company handbook, you give your consent, etc).
Bottom line, while there can be no paycheck deduction for this money, you still can be asked to pay it. If you don't then as an at will employee you can be fired for this (in fact you can be fired for any reason or no reason at all).
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