How can a business owner deny pay and/or write-up an employee for a non-business related matter?
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How can a business owner deny pay and/or write-up an employee for a non-business related matter?
Asked on December 26, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, Virginia
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
If there is no written employment contract, you may write-up--or otherwise discipline; up to and including terminating--the employee at any time, for any reason (including non-business related) which is not illegal discrimination (e.g. against the employee due to race, religion, age over 40, sex, or disability), not retaliation for reporting discrimination, not for refusing to violate the law, and not retaliation for reporting a violation of the law. If there is an employment contract, follow its provisions in regard to write ups and discipline.
An employer may not deny pay to any employee unless 1) required by law (e.g. FICA withholding; wage garnishment per court order) or 2) is consented or agreed to by the employee (e.g. voluntary repayment of amounts borrowed from the employer, or withholding for health insurance or 401k). If the business owner believes the employee intentionally or negligently (unreasonably carelessly) cost it money, the employer could sue the employee to recover that money.
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