two weeks ago i quit a job i had at a furniture store. during my employment i had purchased, on layaway, two pieces of furniture. there is no written contract for layaway purchases. for employees they took 20% down, and you pretty much paid the rest whenever (some of my co-workers had layaways that they'd had for years and had not yet paid.)
when i quit, they mailed me my final paycheck and they had deducted $141 for the merchandise that i had bought, without my prior knowledge, and without my consent. i spoke with the owner of the company, asking his to send me my unpaid wages and a bill for the merchandise. he refused, even after i threatened legal action.
now i know this is illegal. anyone who has ever taken the time to read those giant labor law posters knows that an employer cannot deduct wages for goods or services, unless there is a signed agreement and payment schedule.
my question is, where can i find the state (Pennsylvania) or federal code that this applies too? i would like to be able to call the owner back and tell him the code, its provisions, and penalties, as he swears that this isnt against the law.
i know i can file a complaint with the board of labor, but i'd really rather just get my money and be done with it.
Tags: