Is it okay for a company to reduce your salary rate just 1 month after hiring?
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Is it okay for a company to reduce your salary rate just 1 month after hiring?
I have a concern that you may be able to advise me on or point me to another person to consult with. While I was working at a Hospital through January and received an offer for a position at hime health company. I accepted the position because it was a substantial pay raise at least 20 higher. I’ve worked at the new job for 1 month now and during my 30-day review 3/17/17 I was notified that the pay rate is being adjusted down to a significantly lower rate. Realistically their original offer was pretty high but at the same time I wouldn’t have quit my previous job for a pay cut or a lateral move. I’m going to present them with a counter offer and hopefully resolve the issue without involving others. It seems to me that they hires me under false pretenses. I live in a small town where jobs are very limited so my previous job is no longer available. I want to make sure that I know my rights, that I’m being treated fairly, and that I continue to be
financially secure.
Asked on March 19, 2017 under Employment Labor Law, Idaho
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
Unfortunately, the only real question is whether you had a written employment contract with them for a definite time, such as a one-year, etc. contract, which contract guaranteed you that wage. If so, you can enforce the terms of the contract, in court if necessary; the employer cannot pay you less than they contracted themselves to pay.
However, without a written contract, you are an employee at will and an employer may change an employee at will's compensation at any time, for any reason, including a month after hiring. Since they have the right to do this, you would not have any recourse against them or right to demand that they pay you the earlier rate; they are allowed to reduce your rate now, if they want.
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