Do I pay an employee who caused damages?

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Do I pay an employee who caused damages?

We own a carpentry company and hired an employee to peel wallpaper. He not only walked off the job but caused thousands in damages within the 8 hours he worked for us. He is now requesting payment for those 8 hours. The damages he caused will cost us much more than his 8 hr pay to repair. Do we

need to pay him?

Asked on January 18, 2018 under Employment Labor Law, Rhode Island

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 6 years ago | Contributor

Yes, unfortunately you must pay him, though you can also sue him to recover the costs or damage he caused. The law treats the employer's obligation to pay employees for the work they do as separate and distinct from any claims the employer may have against the employee. An employer may only withhold employee pay if the employee consents or agrees to it, or if there is a court order for wage garnishment.


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