If I ordered something incorrectly at work, can my employer deduct the shipping cost and restocking fee from my paycheck?
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If I ordered something incorrectly at work, can my employer deduct the shipping cost and restocking fee from my paycheck?
Asked on September 1, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, North Carolina
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
The general rule is that a paycheck deduction is not legal; an employer cannot arbitrarily take the money out of an employee's paycheck to pay off such costs/fees. That is true unless there is existing company policy to the contrary or a union/employment contract that allows for this. Also, discrimination must not have played a factor (i.e. was an employee charged for these costs/fines due to their race, religion, etc).
Note: An employee in an "at will" work arrangement can be fired for no reason or any reason whatsoever. So you may just want to work something our with your employer.
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