Can my current employer with hold money from me because of a mistake I made that cost the company money?

Question

Can my current employer with hold money from me because of a mistake I made that cost the company money?

Answer 1

No they cannot! You are entitled to get paid for hours you worked. Unless specifically stated in your employment contract that they can withhold pay for any losses they occur, they have to pay you and then sue you (and show proof) for damages.

Answer 2

in some states YES but..........................

ONLY if you agree in writing WITHOUT COERCION.

if you agree they can not take your pay below minimum wage for every hour worked during the work-week that the deduction is taken out.

an employer can discipline you but generally can not take funds without your permission and the key is your un-coerced permission.

in many states the answer is NO regardless of circumstances

some varying examples:

California no deductions except those required by law

http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/FAQ_Deduction...

Tennessee no deductions unless the employee agrees

http://state.tn.us/labor-wfd/lsques.html...

Pennsylvania only deductions that are for the employees benefit and with the employees permission

http://www.dli.state.pa.us/landi/cwp/vie...

Michigan allows the deduction with  the full, free, and written consent of the employee, obtained without intimidation or fear of discharge for refusal to permit the deduction."  

http://www.michigan.gov/dleg/0,1607,7-15...

without knowing where you are the question can not be accurately answered.

Answer 3

generally, no.  A company cannot withhold your wages with out a court order.