Can my previous employer withheld $500 from my last pay as “fines/fees” for “quitting without notice”?
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Can my previous employer withheld $500 from my last pay as “fines/fees” for “quitting without notice”?
I read and signed all their policies upon my hire and don’t recall seeing anything referencing a $500 fine for quitting without notice (even though I did give them notice). This is for a professional truck driving position.
Asked on January 9, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, Michigan
Answers:
B.H.F., Member, Texas State Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Texas, like many states, has a set of "payday" rules which govern when and how an employer can deduct amounts other than basic taxes from an employees paycheck. An employer can deduct an amount if consented to in writing by an employee or pursuant to a court order (like a garnishment or child support obligation). I does not sound like your employer had a court order, so they could only deduct if they had your specific authorization to do so. Request that they produce the specific document that you signed which authorized the deduction. If they can't produce the authorization, they cannot keep the deduction. If there was a written authorization and you did comply with the obligation by giving notice, you can demand the full payment and then file a claim with the Texas Workforce Commission if they fail to pay your wages that are due.
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