Can my boss underpay me if I quit?
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Can my boss underpay me if I quit?
I quit my job 1 week ago. I walked out. I was making 9 an hour, and I have
previous statements proving that. I just picked my paycheck up today and my rate
of pay is now 7.25. So I called the boss and in a normal, calm tone asked about
the difference. I have the right to know. His reply was simply ‘fuck you, my
name.’. Is this legal at all? Should I consult a lawyer in my area? Doesn’t he
have to inform me of the change and give me a valid reason why?
Asked on August 11, 2017 under Employment Labor Law, Pennsylvania
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
A wage reduction cannot be made retroactively. In other words, a pay rate cannot be changed after the fact. Therefore, you are owed the difference between what you should have been paid versus what you were actually paid. What you can do now is to file a wage claim with your state's department of labor or sue your former employer in small claims court. You can consult with an attorney but it may not be worth it, depending on just how much you are owed.
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