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About Thomas R. Ballas
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
I will take questions about EEOC complaints, ADA, FMLA and most Human Resource issues. I am an expert in the Railway Labor Act and collective bargaining agreements.

Experience
I have 36 years experience in the rail industry, 16 as the lead company negotiator for all Section Six talks.

Education/Credentials
BA in Psychology, PHR and SPHR Certifications.

   

You are here:  Experts > Business > Corporate Law > Employment Law

Questions Answered By Expert  Thomas R. Ballas 
In Category  Employment Law

SubjectDate Asked

days in a 40hr work week11/21/2009
  Q: Is it legal in Massachusetts to require someone to spread out a 40hr work week over 7 days so there ...
  A: Mary: Here is a link that says they cannot make you work on a Sunday, depending on what type of ...
Employer refusal11/21/2009
  Q: What recourse do I have if my employer refuses to investigate a false claim of sexual harassment ...
  A: Michelle: I depends on the details of the alleged incident. If you have been harmed by the ...
Direct Deposit11/20/2009
  Q: My boss is trying to force everyone to go to direct deposit by Jan 1 2010 or there checks will be ...
  A: Martha: They should be available to the employees on the pay day, which is different than mailing ...
employee taking unpaid vacation11/20/2009
  Q: I own a business in NYC. We have a policy no vacation days can be taken on Thanksgiving week, ...
  A: Mary: You employ the person, and unless there is a employment contract or union agreement that ...
PTO by the hour?11/20/2009
  Q: My department recently implemented new policy regarding use of PTO time. In the past, exempt ...
  A: Robert: Yes, it is legal. State and federal statutes do not dictate how a company designs it's ...
vacation accrual miscalculation11/19/2009
  Q: An associates company has a vacation policy that is you get it all on jan 1 of each year and you ...
  A: Mitch: If the company does not want to allow him to take the vacation next year due to their ...
CA Accrued Vacation11/19/2009
  Q: As of January 1, 2010, I have 20 days available of paid vacation and 2 paid "discretionary" days. ...
  A: RNZMOM: From the attached web link, it looks to me as though you will be due the 20 days of ...
Unemployment after FMLA Runs Out (Michigan)11/18/2009
  Q: I have been on intermittent FMLA since February of this year due to anxiety and depression. I have ...
  A: Ryan: Apologies, but Unemployment Comp rules are so varied from State to State, and decisions are ...
Direct Deposit11/18/2009
  Q: My boss is trying to force everyone to go to direct deposit by Jan 1 2010 or there checks will be ...
  A: Martha: I have searched the MS statutes and see nothing that says the Company is allowed to force ...
Personnel file11/18/2009
  Q: The state I live in doesn't give employees the right to view or make copies of our personel files - ...
  A: Tricia: Not much you can do if the Company will not allow you to review your file. Many will, ...
Unethical Practice11/17/2009
  Q: I've worked as a cake decorator for the world's largest retailer for the last five years opening the ...
  A: Rebecca: If you believe your employment has been adversely affected as a result of age, gender, ...
Health Reimbursement Arrangements11/17/2009
  Q: I need to write an HRA policy for a small not-for-profit company. They have an HRA already in use, ...
  A: Caryl: You can certainly change company policy on sick pay, vacations, etc. You must properly ...
salary employees and time clocks11/17/2009
  Q: My wife is a state licsened Physicians assistant in California. Is it legal to make an employee ...
  A: Jeffrey: Apologies. I cannot find this subject matter on the CA workforce web site. I do not ...
Termination - Comission sales territory11/16/2009
  Q: I work for a home remodeling company that has locations I am tied to as a consultant. I then ...
  A: Richard: If you are an actual employee of the company, I do not think taking you off the list to ...
"can a company tell you that if you do not take a 30 min lunch break that they will deduct it anyway?"11/15/2009
  Q: NC state laws apply, I was recently asked to sign a document where I understood that if I did not ...
  A: Craig: If you work and the company knows you are working, you must be paid for the work. You can ...
Employee Generated Payroll Advances11/15/2009
  Q: I own a small business in Illinois and have occasionally allowed my employees to make personal ...
  A: Dave: You cannot withhold the money from the pay without the employees express written permission. ...
Unemployment Appeal11/14/2009
  Q: I was terminated for misconduct and have been denied unemployment benefits are the state of ...
  A: Eric: Absent any language in the CBA that defines misconduct, it is completely up to Company ...
wage reduction11/14/2009
  Q: I live in Kansas. I work for a collection agency. New policies are being put into place in our ...
  A: Alana: How a company determines wages is up to the company. State and federal governments do not ...
laid off salaried employee questions - final paycheck11/13/2009
  Q: How should the final paycheck be calculated for a salaried employee if they are laid off during the ...
  A: Jeremiah: Your company no doubt has a past practice of how they handle such issues, as I am sure it ...
Employment Background Checks after being fired11/12/2009
  Q: Today, I went on a 2nd interview with a company that seems interested in me and is considering me ...
  A: cre8iv1: I would show everything on my work history on the application, if you get that far. Under ...
Unpaid familiarization, and miminum wage.11/12/2009
  Q: I am a trainman, required by the Railway company to perform required familiarization. They say that ...
  A: Mr. Weber: Without seeing the agreement it is impossible for me to say for sure, but my guess is ...
Paying employees "late."11/12/2009
  Q: Payday is on Wednesday per the employee handbook. When first hired I was told that I must sign up ...
  A: Angelia: In WV, you must agree to direct deposit. It cannot be forced on you. Here is the link to ...
MA Exempt Overnight / travel11/11/2009
  Q: This question is for my husband. He works for a utility company that pays OT to exempt employees at ...
  A: Kristen: Absent an employment agreement or union agreement, I do not think there is much that can ...
vacation pay11/11/2009
  Q: I work in a warehouse in California and they have changed our vacation policy. We were able to carry ...
  A: Steve: I believe it is legal, since they have given you plenty of notice to use all excess ...
Laid Off11/11/2009
  Q: I was recently hired for a job on july 27 2009 and got laidoff on october 15 2009 I work for them 2 ...
  A: Richardo: I cannot say for sure without seeing the agreement, but my guess is they are required to ...
uniforms11/10/2009
  Q: I work as a waitress in new york and the company has just changed our uniforms to a button down ...
  A: Nicole: From the link attached: http://www.labor.ny.gov/workerprotection/laborstandards/faq.shtm#1 ...
Plant Shutdown = LWOP?11/10/2009
  Q: Our company announced that we are having a plant shutdown and has informed employees that either ...
  A: S: Here is the link. Fact sheet No 17G, paragraph 6 says exempt employees do not have to be paid ...
Being lid off11/8/2009
  Q: On November 6 2009 we were given notice that in 30 days we will be shutting down. My company is in ...
  A: Myneta: It is impossible for me to say without seeing the Union agreement, but I suspect since the ...
WAGE AND HOURS AND COMPENSATION WHEN TRAVELING11/7/2009
  Q: my daughter is working as a marketing manager from 40 to 60 hours per week. She is not in charge of ...
  A: Danielle: If exempt, I do not think she gets paid. If hourly, there may be a union agreement that ...
WAGE AND HOURS AND COMPENSATION WHEN TRAVELING11/6/2009
  Q: my daughter is working as a marketing manager from 40 to 60 hours per week. She is not in charge of ...
  A: Danielle: Here is a link to the DOL page that can help you determine if the position should be ...
Salaried Exempt Overtime and Holiday Pay11/6/2009
  Q: Can salaried-exempt employees be required to work more than 40 hours a week? If a company offers ...
  A: Jessica: Exempt employees are salaried. Many such employees work more than 40 hours per week. If ...
recieveing severance & 60 days payroll11/5/2009
  Q: I was laid off on October 27th, 2009. I was given an exit interview and received a "Separation ...
  A: Sherry: My experience with unemployment comp is limited, but here is what I think. Usually if you ...
last minute required schedule changes11/5/2009
  Q: I currently manage retail. I has always been clear that we may ask staff to help cover shifts last ...
  A: Kristina: Given the corporative directive, there is not much you can do other than follow it. ...
Meal period11/4/2009
  Q: Work in Ca. as a delivery driver. It has always been employees option to take an hour or half hour ...
  A: Nick: The company may set your meal period at one hour, and it may be unpaid if you are relieved of ...
Salary vs. Hourly Pay11/4/2009
  Q: In MN, can an employer switch employees back and forth from Salaried to Hourly and then Hourly to ...
  A: WKW: The duties of the position drive the answer to wether the job is salaried or hourly. ...
FMLA Required Time Off11/4/2009
  Q: I am taking 4 weeks off of work in December to have a child. I have enough accrued paid vacation ...
  A: Andrea: If you request vacation and do not mention the birth, your company should not put you on ...
pay check stubb - Texas Law11/3/2009
  Q: My employer sometimes doesn't give us our stubb for a week or more. Is that legal in Texas? ANSWER: ...
  A: Patricia: I have no doubt direct deposit falls under the statute. Look at this link under "Payment ...
Dr. will not release me to work/Terminated11/3/2009
  Q: I have worked for a large fortune 100 company for 13 years. I have been disabled for the past 2 1/2 ...
  A: Jack: I do not think you have any recourse at this point. I presume you are not and have not been ...
pay check stubb - Texas Law11/3/2009
  Q: My employer sometimes doesn't give us our stubb for a week or more. Is that legal in Texas? ANSWER: ...
  A: Patricia: My mistake, not yours. Here is the statute, and it says at the end of the pay period. ...
Return to work from leave10/30/2009
  Q: I was recently out for minor surgery for 3 weeks under FMLA. Surgery was on Wed 10/21. MD said I ...
  A: Gena: FMLA allows you to be out for a medical problem provided you properly and timely fill out all ...
FMLA Question10/29/2009
  Q: I was absent from work for a week with a medical issue. My former employer said it would be covered ...
  A: Robert: The company is responsible for granting your FMLA. State and Federal governments do not ...
Commission earings and time requirements10/29/2009
  Q: I am an employee working in inside/outside sales for a very small company (under 10 employees) and I ...
  A: Demaris: I am not an attorney but will answer as best I can. No. 1 Employers may set the hours of ...
wongful termination10/28/2009
  Q: I worked for the RR for 26 plus years. I transferred from one department to another to become a ...
  A: Bruce: I would ask for an immediate meeting with the highest designated Human Resource or Labor ...
No Bathrooms Available10/28/2009
  Q: I don't know if you are the right person to ask but here goes... The bathrooms of the bldg I work ...
  A: XXX I have found a federal regulation that deals with this topic. 29 CFR 1910.141(c)(1)(i) states: ...
Who inestigates HR managers?10/28/2009
  Q: I filed a grievance for wages after an argument. Next days later I went to a 2pm Doc app, and ...
  A: Mr. Brown: The only thing you can do if you think HR is not fairly investigating is take the issue ...
black clothing requirement10/27/2009
  Q: I've worked part-time for a nationwide department store for 5 years. They are now requiring us to ...
  A: Andy: Some states have laws on this issue, but most do not. It seems reasonable to me for the ...
Timecards10/27/2009
  Q: I have a manager and 6 employees at a remote site for a US Govt contract. We currently do not use a ...
  A: Tom: It does not matter how you keep employees time, what matters is that you pay them for all time ...
suspended10/26/2009
  Q: I am a Dispatcher working in a non unionized company, reacently I was suspended for 3 days without ...
  A: Mr. Davie: Company policy dictates how discipline is accessed. Usually, employees are given ...
payroll10/25/2009
  Q: Can an employer hold payroll a day longer when your supposed to be paid on the 15th?
  A: Ms. Shaw: Most states have laws that say employers must at a certain frequency rate. Most ...
criminal background check info.10/24/2009
  Q: I worked for a department store in Queens,New York. The store operated from the hours of 10:30 to ...
  A: Bryant: You can request your former employer share the results of the background check performed ...
HR-Return from Unpaid leave10/23/2009
  Q: Do I have to allow an employee to come back to work from a unpaid leave? My employee has been out on ...
  A: Wendy: Many companies will not grant personal unpaid leave at all unless it is FMLA, many time ...
truck driver salary vs hourly10/23/2009
  Q: Can my employer pay me on a daily basis only no matter how many hours I work in a day or how many ...
  A: Tyler: IF a position is exempt from overtime laws, it must meet certain criteria. Typically the ...
Personal days10/23/2009
  Q: I'm an hourly employee and I work for a company in which it is mandatory to work fifty hours a week. ...
  A: Raette: Absent an employment agreement that says they cannot do this, they can. Paid time off is ...
Pension10/22/2009
  Q: I was laid off from my employer in March 2008 and since I am old enough to draw my pension I chose ...
  A: Sharon: No way for me to know, as it is determined by the terms of the pension plan. As for the ...
Time clock rules10/21/2009
  Q: Is the employer required to provide a clock at a badge station so the employee knows when to enter ...
  A: Roger: State and federal governnments do not dictate how an employer keeps track of employees time. ...
Cobra10/20/2009
  Q: I was laid off in June and have the COBRA benefits set up. Now the employer has hired a management ...
  A: Les: Typically, when a business is taken over by another company, the incoming company must assume ...
Laws on tip out10/19/2009
  Q: I have been in the restuarant business off and on for 30 yrs. I have been employed at this ...
  A: Denise: Tipping out is one of the most debated issues out there, mainly because the Dept of Labor ...
labor law10/19/2009
  Q: Can my employer continue to take money out of my pay check for child support, but not send that ...
  A: Pete: I presume that a court order is involved that mandated you send the court money. If so, you ...
Position "Eliminated"10/19/2009
  Q: My Position is being eliminated after 14 Years. My Points are at 15 Yrs I would be eligible for 4 ...
  A: Shelley: In today's economy, many companies are eliminating positions, so it is hard to say if one ...
age discrimination and bullying10/18/2009
  Q: In Jan this year our company was slow due to recession. My boss sent me and two coworkers an e-mail, ...
  A: Sharon: I cannot think of anything. I do not see any laws they are breaking unless it is a ...
My husband got fired10/17/2009
  Q: My husband got fired for the cops being called on him after hours. The letter he got when he was ...
  A: Cindy: Nothing you can do in Utah. From the Utah web site: I was fired unfairly. What can I do ...
age discrimination and bullying10/17/2009
  Q: In Jan this year our company was slow due to recession. My boss sent me and two coworkers an e-mail, ...
  A: Sharon: Discrimination on the basis of age, gender, religion, ethnic background, and race is ...
Call in policy for sick time10/16/2009
  Q: The company I work for has begun stating that they will "not accept your call in" when employees ...
  A: Liz: If you are ill and call in and tell the employer you cannot come in then you have properly ...
unpaid mandatory meettings10/15/2009
  Q: I worked for a department store in Queens,New York. The store operated from the hours of 10:30 to ...
  A: Bryant: From what you have described, it sounds as though you are due at least minimum wage for the ...
Nepotism and Unfair Practices10/14/2009
  Q: I work for a very small company in Alaska, only about 5 employees. One of the employees is the son ...
  A: Rachel: Not much you can do, as no laws are broken when a small business owner mis-manages his ...
Vacation under New Ownership10/14/2009
  Q: If the company I work for is sold to a new owner, can the new owner refuse to honor the vacation ...
  A: Joan: Many variables involved here. In part, it depends on what state you work in. Also, did the ...
Contractors & Maternity leave10/14/2009
  Q: I am currently a contract employee in the State of GA and am pregnant. I asked my contract firm to ...
  A: Ms. McKenna: Unemployment laws differ from state to state. There are many variables in the state of ...
FMLA10/13/2009
  Q: I HAVE A SERIOUS BLOOD DISEASE FOR WHICH I HAVE FMLA. MY DAUGHTER WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT 7/12/09 AND ...
  A: Sheila: You are allowed 12 weeks per year, for various reasons. You do not get 12 weeks for each ...
Contractors & Maternity leave10/13/2009
  Q: I am currently a contract employee in the State of GA and am pregnant. I asked my contract firm to ...
  A: Ms McKenna: Help me understand. If you are a W-2 employee then you are actually an employee for a ...
Voluneerin at place of employment10/13/2009
  Q: If you are considering taking a position with an organization that you have been volunteering for, ...
  A: Leonard: Typically organizations who employ you do not allow you to volunteer. When you become an ...
mandatory training/certifications10/13/2009
  Q: Thomas, I'm classified as a part time hourly employee for a private University located in Colorado. ...
  A: Ken: I do not believe it to be illegal. Absent an employment or union agreement, my guess is you ...
Doctors Notes10/10/2009
  Q: I was recently hired to work at a restaurant in a hotel as a waitress. It is a union position. I ...
  A: Alison: It sounds to me as though they want a note from your Doctor that states you are physically ...
unfair demotion10/10/2009
  Q: I have been with my company for five years. During that time I have put myself in position for ...
  A: Jeremy: It does not sound fair, but many times business decisions are not based on fairness, rather ...
FMLA10/9/2009
  Q: Have been on FMLA since July due to anxiety related to job stress. I work for a social service ...
  A: Cece: If your FMLA has expired and your employer does not have any other leave available to you, ...
minimum wage law10/8/2009
  Q: My son is 17 years old he just started his first job and recieved his first pay check yesterday.I ...
  A: Tracy: You should file a wage claim with your state government. If you go online to your state's ...
Not being Paid for the work I do10/7/2009
  Q: I am severely ticked off!!! I accepted an acting position which I thought was going to be temporary. ...
  A: Arelis: If your contract says you can only stay on a temporary, "acting" position for so long, and ...
Drug Testing harassment10/4/2009
  Q: Recently I have become involved with an investigation at work with someone my company hired in who ...
  A: Zack: If your company has a "Drug Free Workplace" policy, and many do, then you likely signed an ...
paid meetings10/4/2009
  Q: Is an employer required to pay an employee for a mandatory meeting if the meeting is conducted ...
  A: Lisa: Most states do not address this issue. On the Federal level, the DOL says: Q: Do employees ...
Independent Contractor-Hair Salon10/3/2009
  Q: I have worked in a hair salon for 8yrs in Texas where we are considered independent contractors and ...
  A: Jennifer: You may have a case to claim you are an actual employee. Here is a link to help you ...
Cut Hours10/2/2009
  Q: I have been told by several people that in Missouri, if you are considered a full time employee, ...
  A: Chris: State and local governments do not dictate to companies how many hours they must allow an ...
Part Time Hours.10/1/2009
  Q: I work in Law Enforcement in Iowa, and I am classified as a Part Time Employee. What is the maximum ...
  A: Steve: I see nothing on the subject in Iowa. I believe it is therefore up to each Company to ...
contract says annually but boss says otherwise9/30/2009
  Q: My contract states that I will be compensated a base annual salary of $$$$. Salary paid bi-weekly ...
  A: Valerie: If you have a contract that says you will be paid xxx, and you do not receive that amount, ...
ISO required review and retro pay9/30/2009
  Q: My husband's employer was required by ISO to preform annual reviews. His review was supposed to be ...
  A: Ms. Lister: I do not know what ISO is, but unless your husband is party to an employment agreement ...
Vacation pay when terminated,9/29/2009
  Q: when I was hired one year ago as fulltime employee, I was told that I would get 1 week vacation ...
  A: Cheryl: You can certainly file the claim and hope for the best. Usually, full time is considered ...
Husband was fired -accused of stealing!!9/28/2009
  Q: My husband has been with his company 3 days shy of a year. he had to stay out of work with me last ...
  A: Heather: I suspect he will have his claim for unemployment declined, as the company records will ...
Termination after resignation letter submitted9/28/2009
  Q: I submitted a letter of resignation to the post office branch I was working at due to disapproval of ...
  A: Karyn: It is legal, unless you were covered by a collective bargaining agreement or an employment ...
MA Overtime Law9/28/2009
  Q: I worked for an employer (as an inside sales rep / customer service agent)for about 7 months at a ...
  A: Jake: If the position is exempt, no overtime is due. If non exempt, then overtime is due, by way ...
Vacation9/26/2009
  Q: I currently work as a Security Officer. The company I was working for lost the contract to provide ...
  A: Ryan: Yes, this is legal. You no longer work for your original company. You now work for the ...
MA Overtime Law9/25/2009
  Q: I worked for an employer (as an inside sales rep / customer service agent)for about 7 months at a ...
  A: Jake: The position duties drive if the position is exempt or not. Here is a link that will help ...
sick leave policy9/25/2009
  Q: I have a question about my employers sick leave policy, They have a point system policy but are ...
  A: Vonda: Sick leave policy is established by the Company. Such policies are not legislated by state ...
working in a salon9/24/2009
  Q: Is a hired stylist allowed to work in more than one salon at a time... currently working 2 days a ...
  A: Mary: If you are an employee for one salon, part or full time, and wish to work at another salon, ...
Pregnant and not yet employed 12 months9/24/2009
  Q: I started for my current company on July 29th. I found out on August 25th that I am pregnant. ...
  A: Michelle: If you are not eligible for FMLA, then they do not have to grant you FMLA. They may ...
time off9/23/2009
  Q: i work in Florida and were i work i am the only employee my employer won't pay for a front desk or ...
  A: Julie: The hours you work are assigned by the employer. You can agree to work them or not, your ...
Emotional Distress9/22/2009
  Q: Can one sue for emotional distress at the workplace? I am also wondering if I can sue my company for ...
  A: Jessica: It depends on why you suffer from the emotional distress. If because of illegal ...
my boss9/22/2009
  Q: can my boss fire me for brining my own lunch into work as opposed to eating the food prepared there?
  A: Lexi: Absent an employment contract or a union contract, most employment is considered "at will", ...
Flu Shots Provided for some employees, not others9/22/2009
  Q: I work for a company as a remote employee. I received an email that all employees at our three ...
  A: Bob: The logic does not sound fair or well thought out to me, but there is no law that says they ...
Intimidation9/21/2009
  Q: I am fifty plus years old and received my first "First Written Warning Memo". There were no specific ...
  A: FJ: I would ask for a meeting with my supervisor and a member from HR. In the meeting I would ...
travel time in company car9/21/2009
  Q: I work for a disaster restoration company which I am on call 24/7 and do NOT get paid for it. I ...
  A: Kirk: Impossible for me to say without knowing your company's policy on the matter. Many times ...
Payment9/20/2009
  Q: I worked for a radio company that paid only commissions and only after the schedule aired. That ...
  A: Carla: I would write someone in Corporate and plead my case. That said, without formal ...
vacation pay9/20/2009
  Q: I am an hourly employee in a restaurant. Our franchise owns 3 stores. The policy was that you must ...
  A: Linda: Vacation is not typically governed by state and federal laws, as employers are not obligated ...
FMLA and Leave for Birth of a Child9/18/2009
  Q: My husband requested an initial week off (continuous leave), to be followed by a reduced schedule ...
  A: Amanda: Intermittant FMLA for the birth of a child may be granted, but is subject to the employer's ...
Payment9/18/2009
  Q: I worked for a radio company that paid only commissions and only after the schedule aired. That ...
  A: Carla: It sounds like a huge mess to me, and is a lesson that all such arrangements need to be ...
Forced FMLA9/17/2009
  Q: Ballas, Do I have to request FMLA for an injury? Can I be fired for refusing to fill out an FMLA ...
  A: Frank: The employer does not need your permission to put you on FMLA. You should fill out the ...
Employment Law - hair salon commission vs.hourly wage9/17/2009
  Q: I work in a salon in Ky. We are paid commission but if we can't make commission we are given minim ...
  A: Miranda: The law says you must be paid minimum wage if your commission does not equal at least that ...
Calif. labor Law on employees disclosing health condition9/16/2009
  Q: I am an employer in California. One of my employees had a seizure after hours at our facility. We ...
  A: Giuliana: It depends on the position the employee holds or may be required to work. Obviously, ...
Direct Deposit of Paycheck9/16/2009
  Q: My NJEA unit made a contract agreement for the staff to receive their paychecks by direct deposit. I ...
  A: Sarah: Some states allow mandatory direct deposit, if the employer wishes. Most states require the ...
Time clock9/16/2009
  Q: My job recently went from a flex schedule to one with a time clock. I am scheduled for 8:30-5, with ...
  A: Amanda: The laws do not directly address how a company keeps the time of its employees. It does ...
Discrimination9/16/2009
  Q: I currently work in a Distribution Center as a laborer for the Rite Aid Drug Store Chain in New York ...
  A: Mr. Davis: Yes, this is allowed and is not illegal. Many companies do this, for a variety of ...
Consecutive hours worked9/15/2009
  Q: At my previous job during inventory I had to work 22 consecutive hours. Is this legal? The state ...
  A: Alan: From the state of Indiana web site: The State of Indiana has no breaks or lunch laws ...
Mandatory Meetings9/15/2009
  Q: I am a massage therapist. Because of the hours we are open my employer holds mandatory staff ...
  A: Cathryn Some states have laws that say yes, most do not. You can go to your state's web site and ...
TEMP EMPLOYEE BENEFITS9/14/2009
  Q: I am employed at a temporary agency called Intermountain resources since 4/2008 and I called them ...
  A: Ms Wall: I do not think you have much to go on. Vacation, holiday pay, etc is not governed by ...
Check witholding/work fines9/14/2009
  Q: My 18 year old sister is working at a gas station for her college job. They are required to write ...
  A: Jenny: If they are withholding her pay beyond the normal payday account the drive off, then no, ...
Severence/Vacation9/14/2009
  Q: After only 55 days of employment in Illinois, I was let go from my job. The company said I did ...
  A: Yvonne: They are giving you severance that exceeds your accrued vacation. They do not have to give ...
W2 VS. 10999/13/2009
  Q: I HAVE BEEN A W2 EMPLOYEE AT A HAIR SALON FOR 18 YEARS. NOW THE SALON OWNER WANTS TO CHANGE ALL THE ...
  A: Betty: She is the owner. Since it is her shop, she decides if she wants employees or contractors. ...
W2 VS. 10999/13/2009
  Q: I HAVE BEEN A W2 EMPLOYEE AT A HAIR SALON FOR 18 YEARS. NOW THE SALON OWNER WANTS TO CHANGE ALL THE ...
  A: Betty: Certainly you can say no, but you must be prepared for her to dismiss you. It is the option ...
TimeClock/Wages9/6/2009
  Q: I work at a private preschool in Northern CA. My employer has the time clock set at 7 minutes faster ...
  A: Jaxmine: Your employer has installed a set of rules for the employees. Nothing illegal about that. ...
Labor law concerns9/5/2009
  Q: My questions are very simple. My 16-year old daughter has been hired for her first job in the state ...
  A: Kim: Here is a link to a cite that answers your questions. If she is age 16, no restrictions on ...
FMLA - Eligibility9/4/2009
  Q: I have 4 years of prior federal government service; left my last government job 5 years ago (in ...
  A: Erika: Sorry, I do not think you are eligible. Here is the language of the criteria. Employees ...
Employee termination in Tx9/4/2009
  Q: I was terminated from my employment today...after threatening to file charges with the EEOC for age ...
  A: Cathy: Here is the language of the law: Sec. 61.014. PAYMENT AFTER TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. ...
Minor Wages9/3/2009
  Q: My 17 year old works for a fast food company, she recently worked 3 hours but was unable to clock in ...
  A: Jen: You should certainly call if she is owed wages,and they are in violation of state and federal ...
Payroll Deduction9/3/2009
  Q: Recently a field supervisor allowed an employee to work overtime which was not authorized. The ...
  A: Christine: As long as an employer authorizes such deduction, it is legal. Typically a company will ...
Termination9/3/2009
  Q: My Daughter had to have her tonsils out and gave her work a doctors note that she would be out for 2 ...
  A: Wendy: Since she has been employed less than one year, she is not eligible for FMLA. With no FMLA ...
salary vs hourly9/2/2009
  Q: I am a salaried manager in a retail store. We had been required to work a schedule of 45 hours. Of ...
  A: Natalie: Typically a position is either exempt or non-exempt from overtime laws. Most retail store ...
Business Loss9/2/2009
  Q: My huband is a manager in a Pennsylvania car dealership. He is paid strickly commissions. ...
  A: Lynn: If your husband does not agree to have the dealer withhold the money from his check, then the ...
Change of Schedule after being Posted9/2/2009
  Q: My question is can an employer change the schedule after it has been posted without notifying the ...
  A: Robert: There is no law that addresses employers schedule and or how often they change them. ...
medical issues with work9/2/2009
  Q: I'm a shift mgr. at a restaurant, in April I was diagnosed with Hep.C and NAFLD, another liver ...
  A: Brandy: Your company is probably covered by the Family Medical and Leave Act, (FMLA). If so, and ...
Wrongful termination9/1/2009
  Q: We are a small company with less than 30 employees, so we are not required to offer FMLA. We have ...
  A: Romana: Absent FMLA, it is legal to discharge an employee who cannot protect the service, even if ...
Cut in pay with no notice9/1/2009
  Q: Can a company in Arizona decrease your wage if demoted?  Can your employer lower your wage without ...
  A: Tiedra: Your employer must notice you if they lower your pay, then from that point on they can pay ...
New to exempt employment9/1/2009
  Q: I was recently hired by a small company of less than 50 employees in New York state. I was hired as ...
  A: Chris: Impossible for us to know these answers without your questioning either the Supervision or ...
Hourly pay for working after hours9/1/2009
  Q: My employer wants my co-workers and me to attend their new office open house after our regular ...
  A: Victoria: Certainly sounds as though you should be paid as it is required you be there and it ...
past due money8/26/2009
  Q: According to my job descripton, I was hired as a GS-04 (not a 01/04, when I received my SF-50 and my ...
  A: Patricia: I do not know what the designations are for sure, but it sounds like a government ...
labor laws8/26/2009
  Q: I lost my job and can't get my paycheck they told me they mailed it but still have not recived it ...
  A: Shelly I do not know Canadian laws on the subject, but here in the US, I would tell you to go to ...
Non payment from an employer.8/26/2009
  Q: I have been sent to homes to teach privately to 10 homes at least for months and have accumulated a ...
  A: Manny: You just go down and file your claim, and be ready to present your case yourself. It is ...
Lunch Breaks8/25/2009
  Q: I work for a company in West Virginia, witch affords me time to eat a meal during my work shift. My ...
  A: Jason: Here is the law: “During the course of a workday of six or more hours, all employers shall ...
salary position8/25/2009
  Q: i work for mcdonalds as a 1st assistant. the job requires 45 hours a week. anything over is suppose ...
  A: Noah: Sounds to me as though the position is subject to overtime laws, and you should be paid for ...
My Termination...8/24/2009
  Q: I am a city employee that was recently let go from my job for alledgedly falsifying my time sheet. I ...
  A: Carlo: Sounds as though you were treated differently than the others regarding the return from ...
Pregnancy8/24/2009
  Q: My 18 year old daughter is pregnant. I am her primary care provider. She suffers from depression. I ...
  A: Jessica: Yes, what you describe could qualify for FMLA, provided your daughter's Doctor fills out ...
my hour lunch?8/24/2009
  Q: my question is if its ok to be asked to get a 2 hour lunch just so i stay till the end but not pay ...
  A: Lelsie: Let me see if I understand the question. You are being given a 2 hour lunch period, ...
privacy after leaving a company8/23/2009
  Q: I recently left the company I was working for on good terms. I did not enjoy working every weekend ...
  A: EK: He should not be doing this. That said, there is no federal law on the subject. I would ...
forced personal leave8/23/2009
  Q: i was having problems with medacations and with doctors note called in work a few days. when i went ...
  A: Justin: First, I would inform the unemployment office that you were given the choice to be ...
labor laws8/22/2009
  Q: I have work for a company for 4 years in the service industry.I drive a company vehicle and dispatch ...
  A: Frank: Here is the law in PA. What is the Law Regarding Breaks and Meal Periods? Pennsylvania ...
car dealershipm paycheck8/22/2009
  Q: My husband works for an auto dealership. He has worked in the industry for 20 years. My husband is ...
  A: Lori: OK, your husband is the Manager and he works on bonus system that is percentage of sales ...
FMLA / Bereavement Leave8/21/2009
  Q: Within the last several months I have taken a total of seven weeks time away from work as covered by ...
  A: Chad: I think you have a good understanding of FMLA. If you notified the Company that you are ...
time tracking8/21/2009
  Q: As a federal employee, I sign a time sheet when I arrive at work. I also have to scan to get into my ...
  A: Joe: I presume the boss can access the scan in the building record, but do not know that he can. ...
Overpayiment8/21/2009
  Q: Nov.1,04 through Feb. 3,05 I was injured on duty. I'm a Rail Instructor and we are entitled to full ...
  A: Marnita: If you were injured on the job, the Company always has the right to continue to pay you ...
ADA8/20/2009
  Q: I have been employed with a company for a year and a half and then suffered from an aneurysm in ...
  A: Cara: The ADA protects employees and prospective employees with disabilities. It is summed up as ...
Do I have an employment discrimination case?8/20/2009
  Q: I worked for a company for almost 4 yrs and have been rehired once before. I've developed a very ...
  A: Stephanie: It is unlawful to discriminate against an applicant for a position on the basis of their ...
massage therapist / commission and hours worked8/19/2009
  Q: My question is similar to one already asked. I am a massage therapist in a salon. 100% commission in ...
  A: Heather: The answer is yes. Here is the language of the law in Colorado from this web site: ...
company be sued for favortisim8/19/2009
  Q: I work for a company that is considering me for a promotion however they are afraid to give it to me ...
  A: Nicole: Such policy is up to the company, and is completely legal. Certainly they can change the ...
people trying to black ball you from your work environment8/18/2009
  Q: Ok my question is say when someone gives an opinion about your work performance and it does not ...
  A: Alex: If it is the Supervisor giving you a performance appraisal, and that is part of his duties, ...
Reporting False Information8/18/2009
  Q: Is it illegal for your employer to report false work hours and days worked when the employee is off ...
  A: Michael: It depends on where the employer reports the false information. If they internally report ...
paycheck stubs/fining commissioned employees8/18/2009
  Q: My son works for a telemarketer buying/selling time shares. He works on commission. His employer ...
  A: Mayilin: My guess is he is a contractor. They should still give him enough information for him to ...
paycheck stubs/fining commissioned employees8/17/2009
  Q: My son works for a telemarketer buying/selling time shares. He works on commission. His employer ...
  A: Marilyn: Most states have laws that require employees are provided payroll information. Go to your ...
Commission Only8/17/2009
  Q: I work for a company that is commission only. We get charged back if it is not collected in 90 days ...
  A: Carla; If you signed a permission slip that allowed them to charge back monies paid account the 90 ...
Is this legal8/16/2009
  Q: I work in a salon as a booth renter and they have two employees. They have put a new rule ...
  A: Jessica: I do not think it is illegal. The shop belongs to the owner. You rent from the owner, ...
The Law8/14/2009
  Q: What are the requirments by law whan an employee resigns from our company?
  A: Jessica: If you are asking if the law governs how an employee resigns, it does not. Typically ...
employment law8/14/2009
  Q: My friends mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She has used all of her sick time and ...
  A: Jason: If the company involved is covered by FMLA, and if the lady qualifies for FMLA, the thing to ...
Hourly Management8/14/2009
  Q: As an hourly manager, am I required to be on call on the weekends for any call offs in my ...
  A: Charlene: That is up to the Company. If they are saying you must do this as part of your job ...
ADA denial and termination8/13/2009
  Q: I was on paid sick leave (PSL) with my employer until my PSL ran out. I ran out of PSL before ...
  A: Kathy: Paid sick leave is a benefit given employees by the companies, and is not required or ...
Riffed, job filled immediately, discrimination8/12/2009
  Q: In March, I received my lay off notice due to a reduction in force with 30 days before my ...
  A: Anne: I presume all these positions were Staff, monthly rated positions, not subject to any sort of ...
Mandatory Furlough Day But Worked Saturday8/12/2009
  Q: my company located in California requires our hourly workers to take mandatory furlough day, every ...
  A: Kristin: If this is just a one time thing, no problem, you can pay straight time, if they have not ...
Overpayiment8/12/2009
  Q: Nov.1,04 through Feb. 3,05 I was injured on duty. I'm a Rail Instructor and we are entitled to full ...
  A: Marnita: Did you work for a railroad? If so, workman's comp does not apply to rail carriers. They ...
time card and pay check8/11/2009
  Q: I am in the State of California I have an employee that turns in time cards, the pay period ended on ...
  A: Genny: I would hold him responsible for failing to turn in his time, as instructed. He he ...
Outside company training without pay8/11/2009
  Q: I work in the state of Michigan as a front desk clerk for a hotel. My employer wants to send me to ...
  A: Kate: From the Michigan web site, here is the question and answer. Does my employer have to pay me ...
unpaid salaries8/11/2009
  Q: There are 6 of us who are working for a Miami-based company online. We are based in Europe and we ...
  A: LadyJedi: Go to this link. It has several phone numbers you can call to get help from the State ...
bounced paycheck, withholding final paycheck and libel defamation8/10/2009
  Q: My employer's paycheck bounced causing overdraft fees. I quit this job and now employer is ...
  A: Jackie: You should file a wage claim against the employer for the bounced check amount, plus any ...
unfair demotion8/8/2009
  Q: i was hired with my company as an assistant manager which makes a guarantee salary of 425 a week. ...
  A: Amber: Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Unless you have a written, binding contract, you are an ...
Chargebacks to commission8/7/2009
  Q: I work on 100% commission, paid on billing. I must collect on all invoices by 90 days or I am ...
  A: Cynthia: If during any of these time periods you pay falls below minimum wage for the number of ...
hr/salaried question8/7/2009
  Q: Our employee is an Iraq War Vet and has PTSD. He has been with our company for 7 months. He is ...
  A: Vicki: You do not have to pay him if he is not working. Since he has been with your company for ...
Salary employee's8/6/2009
  Q: If you are a salary employee which I am. Do they have to pay me my 40 hours? I had to miss work ...
  A: Robert: Even if you are on salary, the company does not have to pay you if you do not work. Most ...
payroll deduction8/6/2009
  Q: Can an employer deduct money from paycheck for insurance and then not pay to insurance company which ...
  A: Bradley: The answer is dependent on the health care plan, and if it covered under ERISA, a ...
Damages8/6/2009
  Q: I'm having a problem with my employer regarding a damage claim.He tells me he wants me to be ...
  A: Bill: From the NY State web site, here is the answer to your first question. Q: What deductions ...
resignation8/6/2009
  Q: I am a physician, I 've worked for this practice for 4yrs, while on maternity leave I found a much ...
  A: Greg: If you are satisfied the OPMS will support your position on this, I believe you can leave as ...
Breaks and Lunches8/5/2009
  Q: Per KY Labor laws (except those subject to the Federal Railway Labor Act) get a break after 4 hours ...
  A: Joy: Railroad and airline employees working in an hourly craft are covered by provisions of the ...
Re: Lay off8/5/2009
  Q: I was laid off from my job after 11 years as a dental hygienist. I was the only one at the office. ...
  A: Rosa: I doubt if you do. Discrimination occurs if adverse employment action is taken against you ...
Terminated for timesheet error that was approved8/5/2009
  Q: I was recently fired for a mistake I made on my timecard. I submit the same times each week ...
  A: Roni: Absent an employment agreement or union contract that protects you from outright dismissal, I ...
Unfair Favortism Resulting in Fringe Benefits8/5/2009
  Q: I work for a law firm of 5 attorneys, 5 secretaries, 1 floater, 1 receptionist, 1 calendar ...
  A: April: Such treatment for favored employees is called bad management. That said, there is nothing ...
Check short by 40 hours8/4/2009
  Q: Can my employer hold 40 hrs off my check, due to me not having my time sheets in on time. Only been ...
  A: Shemicia: It depends on what state you are in. Most states require employers set regular payday. ...
FMLA question8/4/2009
  Q: Ballas, I was working as a long-term substitute teacher for a school district in Michigan. I was in ...
  A: Rebecca: FMLA requires your health care benefits continue while you are out of work, but does not ...
Re: Administrative leave8/3/2009
  Q: About six weeks ago I was put on paid administrative leave. During that time I needed to have ...
  A: Jacqua: On admin leave, paid, then on FMLA, requiring you to use your PTO. If seems logical that ...
Lay-off/Retaliation8/3/2009
  Q: I was laid off in June. I recently put an EEOC claim against the facility in March. During the ...
  A: Sherlaine: Your EEOC claim was filed in March, but you were not laid off until June. Others were ...
Commissioned Employee Rights8/3/2009
  Q: My Husband is a "commission only" employee in the Auto Body Repair industry, working for a very ...
  A: Rosie: Many companies have a policy to pay commission only employees on the basis of jobs completed ...
cap on cc tips8/1/2009
  Q: I am working as a server in a restaurant where a recent rule has been imposed upon us that states we ...
  A: Katie: Have never heard of a restaurant imposing such a cap but there is nothing illegal about ...
Commissioned Employee Rights8/1/2009
  Q: My Husband is a "commission only" employee in the Auto Body Repair industry, working for a very ...
  A: Rosie: The company must notice employees of the pay method change in advance of the work performed ...
withholding paychecks7/31/2009
  Q: An employee damaged a truck during work hours. The insurance paid what they would allow and I paid ...
  A: James: In most states you cannot withhold monies from an employee's paycheck without his express ...
employment time cards7/30/2009
  Q: is it okay that an employer clockes an employee out,with a guess of what time the employee will be ...
  A: Melissa: Employers must pay employees at least minimum wage for time worked. The laws do not ...
Sick Leave7/30/2009
  Q: I recently got laid off and my employer said they don't have to pay me for my sick leave. I have ...
  A: Tina: I do not see anything in MN law on sick leave. Absent a law on it, the policy on paying out ...
Employee Privacy7/30/2009
  Q: If a police officer enters our personnel department and wants to confirm whether or not a particular ...
  A: Ro: I do not think you are obligated to reveal anything without a subpoena, but typically a company ...
providing electronic pay stubs to employees7/30/2009
  Q: We are a temporary staffing service employing individuals in 22 different states. Recently we ...
  A: Cathy: I know of no site that gives all the states that allow this. The easy thing to do is go to ...
my money7/29/2009
  Q: Our time clocks at work keeps going in freeze mode and we are not able to clock in or out the ...
  A: Rena: I would immediately bring it to the attention of HR and seek their help. The company is ...
Work during vacation, PTO7/29/2009
  Q: During my vacation I worked 2 to 6 hours a day responding to emails and speaking to the home office. ...
  A: Frank: That is up to your Company policy. State and federal laws do not address the issue. Many ...
Contract Employment Termination7/29/2009
  Q: I have been a contract judge for the past 10 years on a 3 year contract each time. In the past, my ...
  A: Marilyn: First I would apply for the position, even if I held it for the 10 years. It is a ...
payroll deductions7/28/2009
  Q: i work at a barbershop and i was wondering if it is legal to take money out of our commission that ...
  A: Erica: A couple of questions before I can research for you. What state are you in? Also, are you ...
employee's payroll via direct deposit7/28/2009
  Q: Can the employer deposit the employee's payroll via direct deposit to ANY account directed by the ...
  A: Justine: Absent a state law that says otherwise, I believe if the Employee gives permission to ...
suspension from work7/28/2009
  Q: I went to work today and I was suspended without pay for having a rash on my arm. I went to there ...
  A: Darwin: Most companies will pay you if you are released without restrictions, under such ...
two week notice7/28/2009
  Q: I gave a two week notice and a hour later I was called in and threaten with being terminated! Can ...
  A: Jim: Whenever you give notice, it should be in writing, certified mail, return receipt requested. ...
FLMA question7/27/2009
  Q: My daughter is 23 months old and has asthma. I started a job in March. The company I work for ...
  A: Megan: You may apply for intermittent FMLA if you are the primary caretaker of your daughter. ...
Fmla question7/27/2009
  Q: There is an employee who is being allowed to work at home for an indefinite period of time to stay ...
  A: Lance: If the company is allowing the person to work from home, it sounds like they are under pay. ...
Management to union7/27/2009
  Q: I work as an account manager in our companies sales division, this is a management position. ...
  A: Geoff: I am no expert on Canadian labor law, but I doubt if there is anything you can do. The ...
reclassifying exempt to non-exempt7/25/2009
  Q: I work as a hospital social worker in a psychiatric unit that has been down-sized. Number of beds ...
  A: Leslie: Help me understand what you mean when you say "earned time off". Does that mean the number ...
Union Question7/25/2009
  Q: Sir, I hope you can help me. Early this year, I had to file a complaint against my employer and ...
  A: Mr. Gilreath: I would have to see the bylaws of the union to say for sure. If they say you must ...
Employment Suspension7/25/2009
  Q: I received a phone call from my supervisor and informed me that I am being suspended until Thursday ...
  A: Mervilyn: Federal and state statutes do not typical legislate such issues, so there is no law that ...
lay off7/23/2009
  Q: I have been employed with a school district for 7 years, and with the school in question 5. The ...
  A: Melissa: I think it is legal. You apparently are retained on a year to year basis, and my guess ...
Home Address, email, cell and home phone distributed7/23/2009
  Q: Recently, my employer, a large regional bank in NC, sent around a spreadsheet with over 100 of my ...
  A: Christine: I am no expert on FDIC regulations, but can tell you that many companies have disaster ...
wrongful termination/unemployment/disability7/23/2009
  Q: I have been off work since April due to a Mental illness and I am under a doctors care. I used all 3 ...
  A: Susie: You get 12 weeks of FMLA. If you did not use 12 weeks for this absence, the only thing I can ...
Paid/Unpaid Externship7/15/2009
  Q: I have a friend who completed about 30 hours of Externship in the heavy equipment/site construction ...
  A: Michelle: It depends on exactly what your friend is doing on the job, and the circumstances that ...
benifits7/15/2009
  Q: How many hours does an employee need to work to be eligible to get holiday and other benefits?
  A: David: State and federal law does not make it mandatory that companies provide holiday pay and or ...
wrongful termination7/15/2009
  Q: I went to my direct boss about an ongoing and increasingly stressful situation of being treated ...
  A: Anonymous: Unless you have an employment agreement, or you are covered by a union contract, your ...
Payroll for holiday falling on weekend7/14/2009
  Q: If a holiday falls on a Saturday and we work the friday before as a regular day, does employer have ...
  A: Rana: There are no laws out there that say an employer must pay holiday pay whatsoever. Given ...
Fmla question7/13/2009
  Q: I work for a company that has more than 50 employees. However, I work off-site in Austin, TX where ...
  A: Emma: I do not think you are eligible, given you have less than 50 employees at your site. Here is ...
Role of supervisor with worker in same union7/12/2009
  Q: I am in the same union as the staff I am supervising. How far can I go in supervising the staff ...
  A: Ms. Howard: If you are the supervisor of union members, you must follow the company policy and ...
Commisson-only job 72-hour work-week legal?7/12/2009
  Q: I have just started a job as a commission-only employee for a major, home improvement retailer that ...
  A: Hans: I believe the Company is walking a fine line between commission paid employees and hourly ...
hostile workplace7/10/2009
  Q: I am a plumber in Texas, and the dispatcher at our company is constantly rude, sarcastic, and ...
  A: Jamie: If you feel the verbal abuse is treatment account your race, age, gender, religion or ethnic ...
Visibility to jobs commissions paid on7/9/2009
  Q: My husband works straight commission selling windows, doors, gutters etc... His pay check only shows ...
  A: Denise: I am not aware of a law that requires details be furnished to employees who work straight ...
salary managment hours away from job site7/8/2009
  Q: Is there a numbers of hours you must be off before the next shift starts? how many hours in one day ...
  A: Manning: Some jobs have mandatory rest, such as railroad workers, airline pilots etc, by way of ...
Commission pay without possibility of sales7/8/2009
  Q: I am having a hard time finding laws concerning employers rights and regulations. Specifically, I ...
  A: Amanda: You must be paid at least minimum wage for the time worked. If your commissions equal to ...
NO FINAL PAYCHECK7/8/2009
  Q: I HAVE A FRIEND WHO WAS FIRED FROM JOB & LEFT ANOTHER 1 OWES HER A FINAL PAYCHECK I BELIEVE FOR 8 ...
  A: Damon: From the State of Maryland web site: Division of Labor and Industry The Maryland Guide ...
MANAGEMENT HOURS7/8/2009
  Q: I just read the answer from Marie in Montana concerning hours worked in a week for a salaried ...
  A: Lee: As an exempt employee, meaning exempt from overtime laws, you may be required to work in ...
minimum wage / commission payment7/6/2009
  Q: I have a home based business, and I am looking to expand by hiring a salesperson. Up until this ...
  A: Ken: It is certainly legal to have a commission only sales person. I would engage in a consulting ...
FMLA: termination before taking leave7/6/2009
  Q: I am a male and was recently working for a company that offered paternity leave under FMLA (in the ...
  A: Chad: You qualify for FMLA on the basis of the laws criteria, not the Company criteria. If you ...
FMLA: termination before taking leave7/3/2009
  Q: I am a male and was recently working for a company that offered paternity leave under FMLA (in the ...
  A: Chad: FMLA is the leave itself, and if you qualify for the leave while you were working, it means ...
pay reduction7/3/2009
  Q: can an employer drop an employees pay rate down to minimum wage on there last paycheck if they leave ...
  A: Gene: They should not cut your pay in arrears. Typically, companies must give notice if pay ...
Termination of Employee7/2/2009
  Q: My brother is going through a divorce, and unfortunately he works at the same place his soon-to-be ...
  A: Jason: If I were your brother, I would inform the Management that I have no contact with the ex ...
my employer won't pay me my commissions7/2/2009
  Q: For the past 3 years I have been receiving a commission based on the amount of revenue my department ...
  A: Jane: He should not change the way you are compensated in arrears. He can notify you on a date ...
Late paycheck7/1/2009
  Q: I work in RI but my company is based out of MD. I am a salary employee and get paid bi-weekly. I ...
  A: Rissa: If the employer missed the regular payday, then he did not pay you for the time worked. ...
FMLA: termination before taking leave7/1/2009
  Q: I am a male and was recently working for a company that offered paternity leave under FMLA (in the ...
  A: Chad: I am not sure I understand. You were terminated, so you do not require a FMLA leave - you ...
labor dispute6/30/2009
  Q: TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I WAS HIRED AS A SECURITY OFFICER FOR A HOTEL. I HAVE BEEN THERE 3 MONTHS. ...
  A: Robert: The employer may require various duties of its employees. Many employees are hired for ...
Acrrued Vacation Time6/30/2009
  Q: My current employer's CTO policy is that we are allowed to "borrow" ahead on our CTO, as long as we ...
  A: Echo: It is an acceptable procedure. Paid time off is not legislated by the federal or state ...
Terminated or Not?6/30/2009
  Q: For almost 3 years I have been working inhouse as a computer network administrator for a high school ...
  A: Camelia: Sounds like they do not wish to terminate you. The good thing is you have the termination ...
vacation payout6/29/2009
  Q: Employees are currently paid out for all accrued vacation. Effective 8/1/09 we are thinking about ...
  A: Maceo: It depends on what state you are in. Look on your state's web site under employment to see ...
Arbitration letter6/27/2009
  Q: This is and Gerri, What is the process now that the union has refused an arbitration, we believe we ...
  A: Jan: I think you only step is to now take the Union to federal court. Remember, the NMB does not ...
direct deposit6/26/2009
  Q: can my employer not give me my direct deosit pay check stub in the state of MN
  A: Destiny: You must get the payroll stub information. Here is the law in MN. ...
UE Hearing6/25/2009
  Q: We had an unemployment hearing set and the key witness told us two days ahead of time she would be ...
  A: Kim: Many states are what we call "employment at will" states, meaning the employee works there ...
Retailiation from our boss6/25/2009
  Q: I have been employed at my job for 12 years as part-time 3 days a week. Our administrator hired his ...
  A: Christy: You imply the change of schedule is the result of someone calling the owner about the ...
Wage/Tips6/25/2009
  Q: I have a client who owns a salon and pays stylists only a 50% commission for each service they ...
  A: Kandi: It depends on what state you are in. Typically, yes they must be paid minimum wage, but ...
Contract breach?6/25/2009
  Q: I am a nurse at a hospital that is claiming "recession problems" and has resorted to taking away ...
  A: Tami: I agree that it appears the hospital has broken the terms of the agreement if it says you ...
Third sector and overtime pay6/24/2009
  Q: Is a nonprofit organization allowed to provide comp time in place of overtime pay? And at the end ...
  A: Christina: You must be paid overtime unless your position is considered "exempt" under federal ...
Commission Paid Employee6/24/2009
  Q: Tom, I have worked for a printing company for 8 years, I do not get a salary I am paid 100% ...
  A: Rebecca: You should receive your commissions, calculated in the normal fashion, for the sales you ...
Break Time6/24/2009
  Q: Can my employer deducted time from my PTO bank for minutes spent over my regular scheduled break ...
  A: Gordon: Federal and State laws do not address such issues. Your employer can deduct such time from ...
RWL6/23/2009
  Q: 1. Prior to the NMB declaring single carrier status of the two companies merging (i.e. AA ...
  A: Gerri: As I understand things, the RLA, as administered by the NMB, does not directly get involved ...
CBA6/23/2009
  Q: This will be simple for you. What is the difference between an Amendment to a CBA vs A "Letter of ...
  A: Janet: What is "the system bd. of Adjus.? I am unfamiliar with that terminology. To answer your ...
Delivery of paycheck6/23/2009
  Q: Our company is located in Texas. We do have direct deposit available to our employees. However, some ...
  A: Suzie: From the State of Texas web site, here is the law on direct deposit. My read is you can ...
CBA6/23/2009
  Q: This will be simple for you. What is the difference between an Amendment to a CBA vs A "Letter of ...
  A: Janet: In my earlier response, the parties were the Carrier and the Union representing the ...
dismissal while sick6/22/2009
  Q: Been employed with a hair salon since last December had to go home with a migrain last ...
  A: Christie: I am certainly no expert in UK law, but based off what I know here in the States I do not ...
Age Discrimination - filing in Court6/22/2009
  Q: My EEOC ordeal began in 2004 when the USPS OIG began it's restructuring under the direction of the ...
  A: What a story!! I am not sure I can be of any help here, as your current attorney should be the one ...
CBA6/21/2009
  Q: This will be simple for you. What is the difference between an Amendment to a CBA vs A "Letter of ...
  A: Janet: Whenever a CBA under the RLA reaches the end of its term, it is said to now be "amendable". ...
Labor problem6/21/2009
  Q: My name is Bruce Seibel and I have worked road construction for 12 years now for a company in ...
  A: Bruce: There is little you can do other than appeal to your supervisor, and request he reconsider ...
Suspended pending and investigation6/20/2009
  Q: I was recently suspended pending investigation at work. I know that a fellow employee reported me ...
  A: Autumn: The Company has the right to establish procedures to investigate incidents they consider ...
SUSPENSION6/20/2009
  Q: I HAVE BEEN WORKING AS AN IND CONTRACTOR FOR THE LAST 4 MONTHS, IN SALES ,CABLE, OUTSIDE FIELD HOME ...
  A: Robert: As an independent contractor, your services can be discontinued without notice and without ...
Unused vacation and termination6/20/2009
  Q: Tom, I live in Kansas and was just terminated from my job. My employer adopted a policy that states ...
  A: Dianne: Looks like the Company policy is the rule. Given this, I do not think you can get the ...
Stopped last paycheck6/19/2009
  Q: I hope you can help me with your advice. I am not sure what I should do in my situation. Last ...
  A: Julie: You should file a wage complaint with the state of PA, as there is is statute that requires ...
UNION REPRESENTATION6/19/2009
  Q: After an acquisition/merger and before the actual integration of the unions by the National ...
  A: Geri: Very complicated, so I believe you and your co-workers would do well to invest in an ...
Company Car Commute6/19/2009
  Q: Is it reasonable to be expected to drive my Marked Company Vehicle 2 hours of my own time each day? ...
  A: Brad: I do not know what you can find beyond what you have found already. There is not a law that ...
UNION REPRESENTATION6/18/2009
  Q: After an acquisition/merger and before the actual integration of the unions by the National ...
  A: Geri: My background is on the rail side, so keep that in mind as you read my answer. Until the ...
salaried employment - required hours6/18/2009
  Q: I am a professor and administrator at a university in Washington DC. I am NOT paid by the hour, but ...
  A: Maria: Yes, there is nothing that prohibits the school from charging your leave if you absent ...
Payment of bonus income6/17/2009
  Q: I was given a $10 an hour raise on my bonus work completed. I get paid per file that I close. I was ...
  A: Trisha: Absent anything in writing that binds the company into paying what they said, you do not ...
Vacation for Exempt Employees6/17/2009
  Q: I work 50 to 70 hours every week. When our employees work overtime on Saturday, I have to come to ...
  A: Willie: No law regarding this for an exempt employee, on the federal level. The problem with ...
employee time clock6/17/2009
  Q: I understand that we must clock in and out and have never had a problem with it. Is there a window ...
  A: Deborah: The laws do not address how companies have employees clock in or record their time. The ...
Yearly Employment Agreement6/16/2009
  Q: I was hired as a full-time supervisor for a College. While the understanding is that this is a ...
  A: J; From your description, you sound like a regular exempt employee, who happens to enjoy an ...
tax evasion6/16/2009
  Q: I am a fireproofing laborer working with an independent contractor, in which that would make my ...
  A: Prado: If you are considered an independent contractor by the Company, that is not an employee, ...
Company Car Commute6/16/2009
  Q: Is it reasonable to be expected to drive my Marked Company Vehicle 2 hours of my own time each day? ...
  A: Brad: I do not think what they are doing is reasonable at all. If you are reporting to work, then ...
check stubs6/16/2009
  Q: my employer gives me a check at the end of the week but he never gives me a check stub. what is the ...
  A: Crystal: Most states require employers to provide a check stub, or the information in some fashion. ...
what rights do I have?6/15/2009
  Q: I work for a hair salon in Denver Colorado and I am strictly commission paid, so the harder I work ...
  A: Amanda: You say you have an employer, therefore you must be an employee. I presume then your ...
Pregnancy Discrimination6/15/2009
  Q: My daughter in law was laid off from work this past Friday, she found out she was pregnant on May ...
  A: Sue: The Company must have 15 or more employees in order to be covered by this law. If they do, ...
Pregnancy Discrimination6/14/2009
  Q: My daughter in law was laid off from work this past Friday, she found out she was pregnant on May ...
  A: Sue: Given what you present, it sounds as though the Company is in violation of the Pregnancy ...
Discrimination question6/14/2009
  Q: I'm not looking for legal advice, but would like your opinion please on the following: I was ...
  A: Michelle: If they are treating you differently account your gender, you may wish to complain to the ...
Vacation pay6/14/2009
  Q: I live and work in the state of Illinois. I have been working for my employer for 15 years and now ...
  A: Rick: Vacation policy is not legislated, so the employer may set policy as he sees fit. What the ...
Severance pay ....6/13/2009
  Q: I worked for company A for 20 years, company B acquired company A and I have worked for them the ...
  A: Garry: State and federal laws do not dictate severance policy. A company is not obligated to pay ...
Employee and Independent contractor6/13/2009
  Q: I have been working at this restaurant as a delivery driver since November, when i work the morning ...
  A: Steve: This sounds like it may not be the way to handle things. I have attached the below link ...
SENIORITY INTEGRATION6/13/2009
  Q: "When our airline was acquired/merged with another airline,a new entity was formed putting the ...
  A: Geri: I am well versed in the RLA, but all my background is on the rail side. On the rail side, ...
misappropriation6/12/2009
  Q: a month ago, our company conducted an unannounced audit and unfortunately, it so happened that i had ...
  A: Lost: If I understand correctly, you have repaid the money, and have been suspended pending a ...
Child Support6/10/2009
  Q: I am divorced and my ex is being ordered to pay me some back child support payments that are ...
  A: Heather: From the info provided, probably not. Sounds as though you have moved through the courts ...
Contact from Employer after termination6/9/2009
  Q: I recently was terminated from my job due to an unreasonable supervisor. I say this only because ...
  A: Sherri: The company is obligated to pay you at least minimum wage for the time worked. Most states ...
Wage payment after termination6/9/2009
  Q: I worked for an attorney for 2 years. I was layed off January 09, I waas paid salary and also half ...
  A: Melissa: I am not sure there is much you can do. If the arrangement was the employer must first ...
Depression at work6/9/2009
  Q: I have clinical depression. I had a very bad depressive episode this fall. I missed two weeks of ...
  A: Teresa: If you file a complaint with the EEOC, they will follow through as I described before. The ...
Depression at work6/8/2009
  Q: I have clinical depression. I had a very bad depressive episode this fall. I missed two weeks of ...
  A: Teresa: Were you actually an employee or a contractor? I think your chances are better if you were ...
Timeclock rules6/8/2009
  Q: My boss has taken to 'editing' the punches on our time clock to benefit herself. If a employee ...
  A: Debbie: You must work in a state that requires a lunch break. Some do, most do not. To confirm ...
Timeclock rules6/7/2009
  Q: My boss has taken to 'editing' the punches on our time clock to benefit herself. If a employee ...
  A: Debbie: You are correct, if you work, you must be paid for the time worked. The time clock is only ...
general6/7/2009
  Q: Can an Employee call you on your day off to discuss about work? Are they require to pay you for the ...
  A: Kimberly: It is not unusual for an employee to call another at home with work questions. If for ...
Salary Exempt Employees and Unpaid Time off6/7/2009
  Q: If I am a salaried exempt employee, and I need a couple of days off for personal reasons, but I am ...
  A: Susan: Completely up to your company to pay or not. Most companies will give Staff employees a ...
Badge readers and access to company6/4/2009
  Q: I work for one of the largest defense contractors in the US. The company that I work for was ...
  A: Tim: If the badge is required to enter the property, and the employee does not have it, and the new ...
vacation pay6/4/2009
  Q: I was let go due to cut backs, on my final payroll check my ytd vacation pay reads 120:00hrs does ...
  A: Jerry: No requirement by the state for them to pay your earned vacation, merely says they must ...
vacation pay6/4/2009
  Q: I was let go due to cut backs, on my final payroll check my ytd vacation pay reads 120:00hrs does ...
  A: Jerry: Some states have laws that say earned vacation must be paid out, some do not. Let me know ...
Laid off from work in FL6/3/2009
  Q: I was laid off from my job today in FL. I know people in the past who have been laid off or fired ...
  A: Randi: If you have worked the time, you should be paid the rate of pay in effect when you worked. ...
Sales Workers Compensation6/3/2009
  Q: We are looking at changing the compensation of our outside sales force from salary plus commission ...
  A: Therese: I would give at least 2 weeks notice, but no notice is necessary, as long as you tell them ...
Do we have to take a lunch?6/2/2009
  Q: I was hired in January 7am to 3pm no lunch agreed since I eat while I work. Now, he said I have to ...
  A: Anne: Here is the law for adults. Looks like you must by law get lunch if you work 8 or more ...
2 weeks notice6/2/2009
  Q: Out of respect for his company my husband was going to give 3-4 weeks notice. If they decide to let ...
  A: Kelli: They do not have to pay him for the notice period he gives. They only have to pay him for ...
Working Restroom?6/1/2009
  Q: Mr. Thomas Ballas: I recently started a new Retail Job at a Movie Rental store within the past ...
  A: Tim: What you describe violates OSHA regulations which call for a working restroom in such a ...
vacation time5/31/2009
  Q: I resigned as a Director for a Childcare center after working for 3 years, working for an owner. ...
  A: Sandy: In NC, it depends on the policy of the Company. If the policy says the vacation if ...
termination5/31/2009
  Q: I was injured on the job June 22nd, I was out on Texas Workers Comp under a doctor's care, I found ...
  A: Bobby: I would write a letter to HR recapping all this, sending it certified mail, return receipt ...
tip out5/30/2009
  Q: i am a bartender at a restaurant in yorktown , va. last night when i came in to work i was told ...
  A: Delia: I understand the DOL has determined that tipping out cannot be forced on an employee, so ...
no over time in 8 yrs, no final pay check5/29/2009
  Q: i was fired 40 days ago i was never given my check, this happened on Wednesday, Tuesday was pay day ...
  A: Michele: You can file a wage claim with your state's wage and hour division for your back pay. You ...
Days off5/28/2009
  Q: If you are a salaried employee and you work 47 hours in one week. Can your employer deny you having ...
  A: Samantha: Most exempt positions are such that working more than 40 hours is routine, and expected. ...
Forced furlough during FLMA Disability5/27/2009
  Q: I had major surgery on 4/28/09 (using rods, screws, bone material, etc.) to fuse the lumbar ...
  A: Phil: FMLA is a federal law that covers you when you cannot work account your medical condition. ...
stealing5/27/2009
  Q: I recently was sick for a week of work. I was out of sick leave,I had a doctor slip to be off. I ...
  A: Jeff: Many companies have policies that force an employee to use vacation or other paid time off if ...
Withholding Pay Provision in a Collective Bargaining Agreement5/27/2009
  Q: Our company is negotiating a labor agreement with an existing bargaining unit. Our employees would ...
  A: Jacob: As a former VP who led negotiations for my company, I just would not entertain this. In my ...
Resigning job/vacation pay5/26/2009
  Q: In Massachusetts, if you resign from your job,is your employer obligated to pay you unused vacation ...
  A: Cindy: If the vacation has been earned, it must be paid in MA. See this web site. ...
Drive Times5/26/2009
  Q: Our company holds mandatory meetings every 3-4 months. These meetings in general are approximately 3 ...
  A: Ruth: If you are not performing service, many companies do not pay for drive time. Without knowing ...
2 to 4 minutes late5/26/2009
  Q: We have a new manager at the job. He is a bit of a nit pick. So here is my question Can he get away ...
  A: Melissa: I believe the Manager has the right to do so. Many companies set time clocks to allow ...
being fired5/25/2009
  Q: i was written up for a problem at work and suspended for 3 days. I was told to return on the third ...
  A: Ben: You do not tell me what state you are in, but most states support employment "at will", ...
job change application5/25/2009
  Q: i work as a secretary II, in surgery, at a hospital in Lancaster, California, county of Los Angeles. ...
  A: Kathleen: I do not think that is the proper way to handle things, but I do not see a statute that I ...
Non-compete clause for salon staff legal?5/23/2009
  Q: I work for a salon, as a hair stylist. A year ago, the salon staff was forced to sign non-compete ...
  A: Catherine: I doubt if it would hold up in court, if pressed by the salon owner. These things are ...
Grace period if forgot to submit a time card.5/22/2009
  Q: I am a hourly employee and forgot to submit my time card by the end of the day for a pay period. I ...
  A: Joanna: You do not tell me what state you are in, so I can only speak to federal law. This type of ...
Work Conditions5/21/2009
  Q: I currently work in a staffing agency. Basecly I provide clerical support for my Boss and his ...
  A: Jovanna: There are no federal laws that require breaks, or lunch periods for adults. What you ...
tip pooling, mandatory or voluntary5/20/2009
  Q: While many states seem to be assuming that the determination of whether or not a tip pool is legal ...
  A: Gary: Apparently, the DOL has issued several opinions on this issue. Consistent in these opinions ...
Hourly Employees Being Forced To Take A5/20/2009
  Q: Mr. Ballas, Thank you ahead of time for any information you can provide on this problem, your time ...
  A: Vince: If you are correct on the OT issue, and the 40 hours accumulated, I still do not think what ...
Time Clock Punch Changes5/18/2009
  Q: My current employer is changing our punches via in & out to make sure that all the hourly employee's ...
  A: Brant: You should be paid for all the hours worked. Timekeeping is not the issue, if your employer ...
Vacation pay at retirement5/17/2009
  Q: On Dec 31st. 2008, I retired as the Police Chief of a small police dept. in Ohio. I was paid for ...
  A: Don: I do not see anything that mandates you be paid accrued vacation. Absent a state statute that ...
just cause for termination, denying unemployment benefits5/17/2009
  Q: I was recently terminated for what my employer states as 'just cause' Seems my boss looked in my ...
  A: Kathryn: Unemployment Comp is a strange animal, and it is very hard to say how they will rule on ...
FMLA5/16/2009
  Q: My son had emergency surgery due to an apendicitis. His doctor put him on light duty for 2 weeks, ...
  A: Shellie: It is not illegal to refuse light duty to an employee. That is up to Company policy. ...
Hourly Employees Being Forced To Take A "Long Lunch"5/16/2009
  Q: Mr. Ballas, Thank you ahead of time for any information you can provide on this problem, your time ...
  A: Vince: I see nothing that makes it illegal for an employer to cut your hours each week, unless ...
worked but did not get paid5/10/2009
  Q: i worked for a security company call international services. the company recently went under and ...
  A: There is not much you can do if the company has filed bankruptcy. Employees typically have a very ...
Suspensions5/10/2009
  Q: I was recently placed on suspension from work due to an investigation. My question is, for how long ...
  A: Heath: No state laws on this. It is up to Company policy. Regarding pay, you can be suspended ...
10 hour shift and holiday5/7/2009
  Q: I work 10 hour shifts. When a holiday comes around and if it is on a day I am schduled to work. In ...
  A: Cynthia: Without knowing where and for whom you work, I cannot investigate if there is a legal ...
FLMA5/7/2009
  Q: MY DAD HAS LUNG CANCER.AND I HAVE GOTTEN FLMA FOR HIM..MY MOTHER DONT DRIVE AND ITS BEEN HARD FOR ...
  A: Harry: FMLA is a benefit provided employees who qualify. Employees get 12 weeks per year, and the ...
AZ wage and earnings5/7/2009
  Q: Is it legal for the employer to average out the pay rates of regular and overtime into one set rate? ...
  A: Jennie: Not legal to average regular and overtime rates. Some states do not require the employee ...
salary5/6/2009
  Q: If I am paid a salary pay, I understand wether I work 30, 40 or 60 hours that week I am only paid ...
  A: Maureen: If I understand the question correctly you are asking if you work only 32 hours in a week, ...
time clocks salaried workers5/5/2009
  Q: I teach in a school in CA that has all staff clock in and out. We are docked for time off (ie, ...
  A: Karen: My read is yes, it is legal. In CA, teachers are exempt from overtime. See below from this ...
deductions5/5/2009
  Q: can an employer take money away from an employee for lost income from an unsatisfied customer
  A: Susan: Typically not. Most states have laws that prohibit the deduction of employees pay without ...
child labor5/2/2009
  Q: my 16 yr old stepdaughter is employed by a fast food chain. They regularly work her late hours. I ...
  A: Karen: Here is the language of the statute. Hope this helps. Tom Ballas Acts, 2002 Reg. ...
doctors note sick time5/1/2009
  Q: OK I was sick with pneumonia and missed 6 days of work,my doctor wrote me a note due to the fact I ...
  A: Marie: It depends on if your company, and you are covered by the Family Medical and Leave Act. ...
pay cuts4/30/2009
  Q: is their a certain percentage that employers are allowd to cut from your pay if you get a demotion. ...
  A: Kristi: Yes, they can drop you to minimum wage, as long as they notice you before they do so. They ...
100% Commission Sales4/29/2009
  Q: If I am 100 % commission outside sales employee for a large retail chain can my employer make me ...
  A: Becky: Here is a web site that answers your question. It has several criteria that will drive the ...
Inappropriate Termination4/27/2009
  Q: My husband visited the emergency room for abdominal pain on 3-27-09. He returned to work but was ...
  A: Toni: If his company is covered by FMLA, and if your husband qualifies for that leave, you could ...
Renting laws4/26/2009
  Q: I currently rent space in a salon in NY. We had an oral agreement for a sent rent amount, we updated ...
  A: Deane: You describe more of an employer-employee relationship, since she is giving you ...
Inappropriate Termination4/24/2009
  Q: My husband visited the emergency room for abdominal pain on 3-27-09. He returned to work but was ...
  A: Toni: I am not sure what you can do other than write the HR folks of the company and explain in ...
Mandatory Furlough4/24/2009
  Q: I would like to know how mandatory furloughs are judged as legal? What laws give county's the right ...
  A: Mary: I believe most counties are like companies, and are free to furlough as they see fit, it the ...
salary fmla4/23/2009
  Q: I am a salaried employee who uses intermittent fmla. There are days during the week were I call in ...
  A: John: Here is an excellent web site on FMLA. http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/regs/compliance/1421.htm ...
zero tolerance4/22/2009
  Q: I was wondering if you could help me with a letter for my staff along the lines of zero tolerance ...
  A: Melanie: How about this? To All Employees: You may or may not be aware that we suffered a theft ...
Payroll Recovery4/22/2009
  Q: I had asked you a question yesterday. Thanks for your quick response. However, today I realized ...
  A: Harshad: If there is nothing in writing requiring you to repay the money, and if you received a ...
Forced unpaid LOA4/21/2009
  Q: I live in Maine. I recently sprained my ankle and went to the hospital for it. After being told I ...
  A: Marly: It is not illegal for them to keep you out, if they feel the restrictions keep you from ...
STD & FMLA denial4/16/2009
  Q: I was recently admitted to the hospital several times of the course of 5 weeks in which I was ...
  A: Dan: Certainly the law states you have 15 days to provide the support document for the leave of ...
Positive Meth drug test4/16/2009
  Q: I tested positive for meth a pre employment drug screen. I am trying to get help for this problem ...
  A: Manny: I doubt if you will be hired, given the results of the drug screen. You can certainly try ...
FLMA4/14/2009
  Q: My ant works for a subsidiary of a company that would be covered under FLMA, however, her HR ...
  A: Veronica: If the company she works for has less than fifty employees and has a separate profit and ...
Payroll Recovery4/14/2009
  Q: "I worked for a consulting company in the US whose base is located in India. They gave me an advance ...
  A: Ram: If there is nothing in writing that binds you and the old company to this agreement, then you ...
Billing for non-pretaxed health insurance after termination.4/13/2009
  Q: My last employer terminated me after one month of employment. I signed up for family health care. ...
  A: Sharon: Given all this, I think I would write them a letter and outline all you have said here, ...
Incorrect dates on Paycheck4/13/2009
  Q: The 'to' and 'from' dates on my hourly wage Paycheck do not match the ACTUAL dates worked, it's a ...
  A: Amy: I guess it may be illegal, depending on what state you are in. That said, is the pay correct? ...
Possible Discrimination4/13/2009
  Q: I work in the state of Alabama. I was formerly employed by a physician's office with an unofficial ...
  A: Morgan: My guess is you do not have an employment agreement, and are an "at will" employee. You ...
pay time4/12/2009
  Q: I am an alarm tech and my employer doesn't require me to clock in.Does my pay time start the minute ...
  A: Larry: If you are required to report at a certain time, and your company knows you are there at ...
Reduction in Force4/12/2009
  Q: Thomas, I was recently affected by a reduction in force at the company that I worked for. My ...
  A: Rick: If the reduction in force (RIF)for your company was more than one person, then you should ...
vacation accrual4/10/2009
  Q: Were in CA. My company vacation policy states, “vacation accruals may not exceed 1.5 times an ...
  A: Sandy: You can change company policy on vacation, with notice in advance to the employees. You ...
Returning to Work after Medical/Maternity (Texas)4/10/2009
  Q: I went on extended medical leave before giving birth. Today I was told when I inquired about ...
  A: Theresa: Here is the web site for a FMLA fact sheet. You may be given a comparable position, but ...
holiday ,vacation pay4/10/2009
  Q: can a employer take your vacation time away and deduct money from your check if your a salary employ ...
  A: Beckie: Vacation policy is not governed by state and federal laws. Companies may allow vacations, ...
verbal warning4/10/2009
  Q: I recently received a verbal warning at work for attendance. After signing it I was told I could not ...
  A: Cindy: Unless there is an employment agreement or a union agreement saying otherwise, it is not ...
Salaried employee4/8/2009
  Q: I am working in a department where all the employees are on salary. When I started in this ...
  A: Debbie: If you are on an "exempt" position, then your position is exempt from overtime laws. ...
doctor script4/1/2009
  Q: In the fall of 2008,my doctor wrote me a script for work stating that I was not to lift anything ...
  A: Steve: I do not think it illegal for them to require a certification of your condition. If it is ...
Company Insurance Benefits3/31/2009
  Q: what if the company misses my health benefit because of their negligent? My heath insurance was ...
  A: Monika: Companies provide health care plans because they wish to, not because of a state or federal ...
change in pay from salary to fee for service3/31/2009
  Q: My employer (a private agency) in North Carolina recently changed it's pay from salary to "fee for ...
  A: Greg: Are you a true employee? Or, a contractor? If a contractor, the company can pay you as you ...
pay ?3/31/2009
  Q: I work on commission (50%) in TX. The company I work for has stores all over the world.If I don't ...
  A: Vanessa: I would write my supervisor, with open copy to the HR group, and respectfully request you ...
Salary Employee3/30/2009
  Q: I'm not certain you are the correct professional to ask, I'm getting rather lost in the technical ...
  A: Shane: Sick leave, paid time off, vacations, etc are typically policy set by the Company. If you ...
termination3/30/2009
  Q: On thursday march 27 I received an oral counselling from the office manager at the census office in ...
  A: Don: I would attend the meeting, if at all possible. Perhaps you can obtain permission to have ...
Time clock punching3/29/2009
  Q: If I am fired for not punching the clock (I was) can another employee punch in and out, ie take a ...
  A: Paul: If I understand your question, you did not punch the clock, but the other employee did, but ...
Sick time; privacy3/28/2009
  Q: Does an employer have the right to know why your calling in sick? besides that you are ill or ...
  A: Pete: I do not believe the supervisor has a right to know the answer, but the Company may require ...
Abuse of Salaried Employees3/28/2009
  Q: My husband works for a company in the IT field in California. Due to a cut in revenue, the company ...
  A: Allison: If they are on the exact same positions, then the positions should be classified the same. ...
vacation benefits3/27/2009
  Q: I recently quit my job in Tampa Fl to relocate to Orlando. I worked a full year at my company in ...
  A: Debra: If the company policy is to pay if certain requirements are met, and they did not, then you ...
on call3/27/2009
  Q: I am not sure if you can answer this but is it legal for an employer to expect an hourly employee to ...
  A: Kevin: It is not illegal, in fact, not unusual for this to be done. If you wish compensation for ...
scheduling3/27/2009
  Q: if your on your employers schedule can they take you off the schedule to train a new person
  A: Diane: Generally speaking, your employer can have you perform duties not usually assigned, ...
paycheck returned for insufficient funds3/27/2009
  Q: I was returned one paycheck for insufficient funds and my coworkers were returned another check ...
  A: Lily: If you work, the law says you must be paid at least minimum wage. If your paycheck is ...
no compete clause3/26/2009
  Q: I live in Illinois and I was laid off of my job due to cutbacks. In order to receive my severance ...
  A: Tracy: My take on what you quote from the severance release is that you have agreed not to apply ...
Michigan Vacation Benefits3/25/2009
  Q: My employer has decided to cut vacation benefits from three weeks to two weeks for employees with ...
  A: Mimi: The short answer is yes, they can do so. Michigan law states only that vacation policy must ...
private household3/25/2009
  Q: According to VA law is my employer required to pay social security for me? I work in a private ...
  A: Marianne: Yes. If you are employed by a business or an individual, they are required to withhold ...
Reduction of Pay Discrimination3/24/2009
  Q: My company was bought 3 months ago by a competitor in the same regional area. My job responsibility ...
  A: Cathy: Here is a web site that may help. I have not used it myself, but it sounds like what you ...
i am getting ready to request my fmla.3/24/2009
  Q: I am almost 22 weeks pregnant and am getting ready to request my fmla. I was wondering if there are ...
  A: Deven; FMLA is granted on the basis of your health. If your Doctor thinks you need to stop work ...
Exempt Employee3/23/2009
  Q: I'm a salaried employee and I have to keep a time sheet. If I'm out of the office for an hour or 3 ...
  A: Cynthia: I see nothing that addresses the issue in NJ statutes. If you are on a true exempt ...
Sick time at home3/23/2009
  Q: I work in California. My employer has a generous sick leave policy and insists we do not come in ...
  A: Laura: Your boss should not ask you about your medical condition, but many do, and most employees ...
Bonus Reduction3/20/2009
  Q: I work in Massachusetts for a private corporation. My bonus payment is scheduled at 15% of my ...
  A: Steve: Absent a written contract that states what your bonus should be, you will have a hard time, ...
commission paid employees3/20/2009
  Q: My employer has asked us to be at work from 9-6pm and not leave except for lunch. We are paid ...
  A: Sharon: Most states have a minimum wage law that says your commissions must equal at least minimum ...
New York State- sent home after clocking in3/20/2009
  Q: My brother works for a company who has him on schedule Monday through Friday 7:00am to 3:00pm and 2 ...
  A: Terri: I see nothing in the statutes that indicate it is illegal, absent a contract or union ...
accrued vacation changes3/17/2009
  Q: I work for a national company that is changing it's vacation policy from time accrued in the ...
  A: Joe: I cannot read the policy, as it is too small text. Vacation policy is not typically covered ...
child is sick3/17/2009
  Q: my child is sick and i am out of sick days. I need my husband to stay at home for one day so that i ...
  A: Melissa: I do not think there is much you can do on such short notice other than appeal to your ...
Indiana holding paychecks3/17/2009
  Q: I am employed in Indiana. My company has issued a new rule that if you have 3 mistakes in your time ...
  A: Brandi: I do not believe it is legal, but I do not see anything specific about it in Indiana ...
scheduled number of hours paid3/16/2009
  Q: If I am scheduled to work at least 4 hours per day and am told to punch out after only 2 will I ...
  A: Steven: You should be paid for all the hours worked, even if you do not punch in and out at all, ...
Employer force to buy stuff3/16/2009
  Q: I work for Icing and they recently changed the dress code policy. It says that we have to represent ...
  A: Alisa: If it is a condition of employment that you wear a uniform, etc while on duty, and the ...
furlough length3/14/2009
  Q: what is the restriction, lengthwise, on furloughs? I work for a company in California and have been ...
  A: John: If there is a union contract involved, it may answer these issues. If not contract, then ...
Severance package rules and regulations3/14/2009
  Q: My company offered a voluntary severance package about two months ago due to upcoming layoffs that ...
  A: Kim: You were declined opportunity for the voluntary severance package, then 5 weeks later your ...
payday falls on a sunday3/13/2009
  Q: If we are paid on the 15th and the last day of the month and the pay day falls on a Sunday are we to ...
  A: Kristy: Many states have laws that govern pay frequency, so you can look up on your states web site ...
Status change from hourly to salaried3/12/2009
  Q: About a year and a half ago, my job was reclassified from hourly - non-exempt to salaried- exempt. ...
  A: Amy: Typically vacation policy is handled the same for employees of the same class. Exceptions may ...
Mandatory Meeting Pay Louisiana3/12/2009
  Q: Are employers required to pay you to attend a mandatory meeting in Louisiana if you are an hourly ...
  A: Rachel: I do not see a LA statute that governs this. The DOL does not directly require pay for ...
Furloughs3/12/2009
  Q: The company is planning on doing furloughs, but they say we will be required to come to work on each ...
  A: Sam: The union agreement should address the issue of how a furloughed employee is handled. If it ...
age discrimination3/11/2009
  Q: This week I was laid off. The reason given was "the economy." I have excellent performance reviews ...
  A: Ernie: If you were the only one over forty to be laid off, it will be hard to point to you and ...
verbal harrassment3/11/2009
  Q: My superior was speaking to my coworker and stated "and because of that Bitch the boss will be here ...
  A: Mishele; If you were offended by the remark, you should quickly report it to your Supervisor and ...
salaried employment3/10/2009
  Q: I am a salaried county worker of 3 yrs. When i started I was required to put in 40 hrs/wk. With my ...
  A: Sherry: The question is, are you on an exempt position or not? When I say exempt, I mean exempt ...
workmans comp vs. std3/10/2009
  Q: I have been working as hospice RN for this co. since 9/08. I had mva in 2004 and cervical disc ...
  A: Beth: You must feel as though your paid is work related to consider applying for workman's comp. ...
Outsourceing3/10/2009
  Q: My position is being outsourced. It was announced over 6 months ago by the director. When I ask ...
  A: Mr. Gilbert: Advance notice is required in some situations. Below is some information that should ...
suspension without pay3/10/2009
  Q: I have been given a one day suspension without pay.They are saying the day off will be on a Sunday ...
  A: Carol: Absent any contract of working agreement that states they cannot suspend you on a rest day, ...
Bathroom Breaks3/10/2009
  Q: I work in a call center in Ohio. I was recently told (after working for several weeks) that we are ...
  A: Jennifer: Here is a web site that addresses the issue. It is an OSHA issue from a regulatory ...
Severance Pay3/8/2009
  Q: I am actively employed by a Canadian company but I work in the U.S. I am a US citizen. My job was ...
  A: Rick: I know nothing about Canadian law, but typically, severance plans are designed by the ...
Witholding/banking hours?3/7/2009
  Q: Now with unemployment I am only allowed to work 5 hours I believe. My boss knows that and he had me ...
  A: Damien: If you work for an employer, he is obligated to pay you at least minimum wage, and failing ...
Employee misses a time punch, denied pay for the day3/6/2009
  Q: Our office Human Resource Manager just MADE us sign a form stating that if we miss a time punch we ...
  A: Jane: It is my opinion that if you work and are not paid, the Company is putting itself in jeopardy ...
Docking pay for missing timecard punches3/6/2009
  Q: Sometimes staff members forget to document (punch in or out) times on their timecards. Most often, ...
  A: Jan: If the company knows you have worked, they are obligated to pay you. So, if you fail to punch ...
Minimum wage on commission based job - FLORIDA3/5/2009
  Q: I am in Florida and my husband is a car salesman for a major dealership. Recently, his dealership ...
  A: Ms. Leon: The minimum wage law provides one receives at least minimum wage for hours worked. It ...
Lowered Commission Rate3/5/2009
  Q: I am a hairdresser in PA. I was hired as an "at will" employee to recieve 50% (minus taxes) of all ...
  A: Abigail: She cannot drop your commission rate for work done under the previous rate, so any work ...
FMLA3/4/2009
  Q: I was out of work for 1 week with bronchitis. I turned in a "Return to Work" signed by the doctor ...
  A: Lynn: Presume your company and you qualify for FMLA. As I understand it, you requested FMLA from ...
working after termination3/4/2009
  Q: I'm a salaried employee working at a company that's recently been taken over. While I was away on a ...
  A: Lydia: If your termination is immediate, you do not have to perform any work at their direction, ...
vacation accrual3/3/2009
  Q: Were in CA. My company vacation policy states, “vacation accruals may not exceed 1.5 times an ...
  A: Sandy: Here is a web site that addresses CA vacation law. ...
Salary Reduction/Pay Deductions3/3/2009
  Q: I work for a large oilfield company and with the economical strains everyone is feeling we are being ...
  A: Misti: No cap on the percentage your pay can be cut, that is up to the Company, and to you, if you ...
Insurance Benefits3/3/2009
  Q: What happens when an employer cancels their employees insurance benefits without telling them but ...
  A: Bev: Under such circumstances, they are withholding a part of your pay for something you are not ...
Laid off, told it's temporary, replaced3/2/2009
  Q: In Michigan, I was laid off. During the exit interview I was told I would be recalled the first week ...
  A: Ruth: If the layoff was seniority based, under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement, the ...
Working for sick employees3/2/2009
  Q: I work in the IT department there are six of us: President, Vice President, three IT guys and a ...
  A: Ernest: Absent an employment agreement or collective bargaining agreement that says you cannot be ...
Time Clock for 24-hour Resident Manager2/28/2009
  Q: Our company has just instituted a policy which requires that all managers use the time clock to ...
  A: Ken: I would pose the question to Management, asking if they wish you to put down all the hours you ...
wrongful termination2/28/2009
  Q: I was terminated from my job for "violating a safety policy". I was injured while putting together a ...
  A: Jo Ann: I doubt it, given what you have said. Most wrongful termination lawsuits are based on ...
Wrongful termination & withholding final paycheck2/27/2009
  Q: I was recently terminated from my position as a store manager with a dollar store. The reason I was ...
  A: Brandon: I believe you would have difficulty making a successful case. At the end of the day, the ...
pay stubs2/27/2009
  Q: I live and work in phoenix arizona I've been working at my job for about 5 months at my job we get ...
  A: Josh: I do not see a AZ law specific to your problem. I would put the request in writing to my HR ...
commission based employee2/27/2009
  Q: if i am paid on commission, is it legal for the employer to ask me to do extra cleaning around our ...
  A: Lauren: It is not illegal for you to be asked this, but you may be entitled to minimum wage if you ...
age discrimination2/27/2009
  Q: This week I was laid off. The reason given was "the economy." I have excellent performance reviews ...
  A: Ernie: You certainly have a complaint under EEOC, but the validity depends on the answer given by ...
lunch breaks, breaks etc2/26/2009
  Q: I work at a convenience store in WV. We work a lot of 8 plus hours a day and get no lunch breaks or ...
  A: Elizabeth: Sorry, missed the WV in your first question. Below is from the WV state web site. It ...
Discipline letter2/26/2009
  Q: After a disagreement with a co-worker, my supervisor and I spoke,I apologized and received an e-mail ...
  A: Marian: I see nothing in North Carolina law that addresses these issues. I would request a copy of ...
Arbitrary Change in Territory Plans/Commissions2/25/2009
  Q: Is it legal in California for a company to arbitrarily change a salesperson's territory, or to ...
  A: David: It is not illegal for a company to do this. No state of federal statute prohibits this ...
Employment - Resignation2/25/2009
  Q: I have been working for my company fro 3 years now, and recently found another job. They want me to ...
  A: Saika: I would go to you current employer and tell them you intend to leave in 2 weeks. They ...
Employment at will2/25/2009
  Q: If a person is employed "At Will" and therefore does not need to give notice of ending employment, ...
  A: Lydia: There is no law against a former employer saying that. Most former employers do not give ...
Paid time off question2/25/2009
  Q: i'm about to be laid off from my job. I've accrued 300plus hours of PTO, which is written on my ...
  A: Mike: Here is the web site of the portion of CA code addressing the issue. Looks like the answer is ...
FMLA2/24/2009
  Q: I have been working for my company for 2 years and about a week after I told them I was pregnent ...
  A: Kelly: If you work for a company that is governed by FMLA, and if you qualify for same, or if you ...
union decisions2/24/2009
  Q: Our union contract read as follows,(the opportunity to acquire a particular skill block or ...
  A: John: I think the short answer is yes, they have the right to interpret the CBA in this manner. ...
Exempt overtime requirements in Maryland2/24/2009
  Q: I have read your response to the person in North Carolina. Is this also the case in Maryland? My ...
  A: Stephanie: If you are truly on an exempt position as defined by the Dept of Labor, and your company ...
Employment Termination2/18/2009
  Q: Does an Employer have to notify an employee of their termination? Recently my employer stopped ...
  A: Cory: To my knowledge, there is no federal law saying an employer must notice an employee of ...
Employment Law- Final Check2/18/2009
  Q: If an employee has provided a 2 week notice, when is the final check to be provided? ANSWER: ...
  A: Adriana: This should help, see below. From the CA website under employment. An employee without a ...
4 weeks notice...employer chose to end employment that day2/18/2009
  Q: ..we live and work in Ohio...my husband recently turned in his resignation letter to his employer ...
  A: Sonia: Typically if no service is performed, no pay is due. The 4 weeks notice required by the ...
Lunch breaks2/12/2009
  Q: I live and work in Maryland and work for a company called acs. I know that state law and federal ...
  A: Justin: If state law does not mandate this issue, then it is up to company policy. If that is the ...
Time Clock Question for Salaried Employees2/12/2009
  Q: I work for a Public School in Arkansas. We are issued yearly contracts at the beginning of your ...
  A: Teresa: Companies have various reasons for requiring employees to clock in and out. Included is ...
FMLA request2/9/2009
  Q: Is it the employee's obligation to ask his/her employer to take FMLA, or should an employer who ...
  A: Kelly: I do not know of a court that has ruled it is the employers responsibility, but many ...
laid off, signed release, but amended it2/6/2009
  Q: I was recently advised I was being laid off. There are many side issues, and I firmly believe I have ...
  A: Leslie: Most states have laws that require you be paid all monies owed when you leave the service ...
Heart transplant effects shift changes2/5/2009
  Q: Started new job / company 2nd shift 2 yrs after heart transplant. Did poorly healthwise and job ...
  A: Pat: I would have my Doctor write a letter to the Company and explain that it would be adverse to ...
Laid-off - my position posted - California2/4/2009
  Q: My boss (Branch Manager) and I (Asst Branch Manager) were both laid-off the same day without ...
  A: David: If the reason is performance, and the positions have been filled already, I do not see how ...
Termination after undergone for an emergency surgery2/3/2009
  Q: One of my friend had a ruptured ectopic pregnancy and she undergone for an emergency surgery on ...
  A: Tiju If the company is covered by federal Family Medical and Leave Act, (and that is determined by ...
Layoff & accrued vacation1/28/2009
  Q: Place: SC My company has allowed the accruing of vacation and the carry over of 45 days for as long ...
  A: Ted: I do not see any SC statute that governs how vacations and sick leave is handled, therefore ...
wrongful termination over rumors1/27/2009
  Q: My boss was fired yesterday for having poor judgement resulting from a pool party from this summer. ...
  A: Brian: You do not say, but my guess is that you are an "at will" employee, meaning you work there ...
Holding paycheck @ office1/27/2009
  Q: I live in NY. I recently quit my job, now they are holding my paycheck at the main office over an ...
  A: Megan; I believe they are obligated to get the last paycheck to you the same way and location as ...
Severence Package for Part-Time job1/26/2009
  Q: I have am a resident of Maryland. I have a Full Time job and a part-time job. I recently found out ...
  A: Michael: Here is the web address for questions on pay in Maryland. If you qualify for the ...
Reduction in Pay1/24/2009
  Q: The company I work for was purchased by another much larger company. While I was indispensable to my ...
  A: Melanie: I only have the information you give, and you did not give the gender of the other people. ...
Reduction in Pay1/23/2009
  Q: The company I work for was purchased by another much larger company. While I was indispensable to my ...
  A: Melanie: In order for a case to exist, adverse employment action must take place against a person ...
Unexcused Absense -medical reason1/22/2009
  Q: I submitted a doctor's letter for my absence at work the day of my absence. I called into work ...
  A: Annie: The only law out there I am aware of is the Family and Medical Leave Act, and without more ...
FMLA Eligibility1/21/2009
  Q: I started with my Employer in May 2008 and had my baby in Nov 11th 2008. I used my preganancy ...
  A: Priya: An eligible employee is an employee who has been employed by the employer for a least 12 ...
Age Discrimination1/19/2009
  Q: I understand that a person has 300 days to file regarding age discrimination. I was passed over for ...
  A: Sharon: From the EEOC web site, here is the info you requested. It is calendar days, not work ...
Being laid off and company rehire someone else1/17/2009
  Q: My cousin was laid off in October from a Nissan Dealership in Southern California in October 08. She ...
  A: Kim: It is not illegal. Companies are typically free to lay off employees as necessary, and in the ...
8 hr work days1/17/2009
  Q: I am an hourly employee at a hotel. I work the front desk. We do not have any scheduled breaks or ...
  A: Jon: What state do you work in? Typically states do not take a position on lunch or breaks, but ...
Pregnancy Discrimination?1/17/2009
  Q: I am in the early stages of pregnancy. I work in California in management, and have worked for my ...
  A: Danielle: Statutes do not cover each and every situation specifically. The question is this, was ...
Pregnancy Discrimination?1/16/2009
  Q: I am in the early stages of pregnancy. I work in California in management, and have worked for my ...
  A: Danielle: If your company has 15 or more employees,it is governed by the federal Pregnancy ...
working from home1/15/2009
  Q: Can a company force you to work from home without compensating you for the expenses of doing so? In ...
  A: Lynn: They cannot force you to work out of your home unless you have a contractual agreement to do ...
Salary employee calling in sick 10 minutes late1/15/2009
  Q: My company requires that you call in 30 minutes before you scheduled start time. I was sick with a ...
  A: Sharon: There is nothing illegal in what you describe. State and Federal laws do not govern how a ...
FMLA1/14/2009
  Q: If a church has a preschool, but has less than 50 total employees, are the employees covered by ...
  A: Rachael: My read of the law is no, given the employees are on the Church's payroll, and there are ...
verbal contract1/9/2009
  Q: About 4 months ago I hired on @ a new land surveying company and was told that there was no company ...
  A: Michael: Unless you have something in writing that says you will be paid, even if they change the ...
PTO for Management1/9/2009
  Q: My Director of HR states that as a manager I cannot use PTO unless I take a entire week off. She ...
  A: Georji: I do not think that is correct. From the CA website on vacation Q&A: There is no legal ...
FMLA Pregnancy1/8/2009
  Q: and thank you for your time and assistance. I just had a baby on 4/18/08, and was out on FMLA close ...
  A: Miriam: It depends on how your company calculates the twelve month period in which you count hours ...
labor law or discrimination1/7/2009
  Q: am a female engineer. I have been working for my current employer, an electronic devices company in ...
  A: Fay: It sounds as though the least you should do is raise the question regarding why your co-worker ...
Pay Decrease1/1/2009
  Q: We live in Michigan. Yesterday afternoon, everyone at my husband's work was told that effective on ...
  A: Susan: You are correct on the wages earned in the past. From the Michigan State web site: Wage ...
small business12/31/2008
  Q: I have a LLC in Ga. I subcontract under a larger business. I have employess that work for my ...
  A: Becca: From the Georgia Department of Labor: When an employee is separated from my company, am I ...
Lost Pay Checks12/29/2008
  Q: My son works for Firestone full time and has not been paid his regular pay since last Wednesday ...
  A: Karla: From the Texas website: Rights, Duties and Obligations Each employee who is exempt from ...
Penalities for failing to attend a social event12/27/2008
  Q: I'm a salaried manager in Michigan. I was informed I must attend a mandatory non-business related ...
  A: Sophia: The state of Michigan is silent on the issue. It does require that mandatory training be ...
Possible lay-off12/26/2008
  Q: I am a female, 61 years old, 29 years with the company and we have been told there will be layoffs. ...
  A: Connie: If this is a layoff by way of seniority, just make sure it is done in seniority order. If ...
confidentiality12/23/2008
  Q: When an employee calls in sick or any other reason, should that information be kept confidential and ...
  A: Sandra: Such information should be kept confidential if the information is giving details about the ...
Workweek vs. pay period12/23/2008
  Q: I work in California. My timesheet ran Sunday to Saturday, 11/30/08 to 12/06/08. Sunday, 11/30, I ...
  A: Luis: I believe you should get the overtime. From the California web site under overtime FAQ's: ...
Notification of Furlough12/23/2008
  Q: My husband's company announced several weeks ago that their plant would be closed from Dec 24 - Jan ...
  A: Julie: You don't say what state you are in, so I cant speak to state law. On the federal side, ...
Never received raise12/19/2008
  Q: In November I was told that starting 12/1/2008, I would be receiving a raise. 12/5/2008 was my last ...
  A: Renee: If you have it in writing, I would try to force their hand by way of writing a letter to ...
accrued sick and vacation pay12/18/2008
  Q: mcdonalds is a big company. why have they taken away accrued vacation and sick pay from the ...
  A: Sylvia: Most McDonalds are franchised, this is, owned by private owners, who pay a franchise fee to ...
Resigning from a job - vacation days12/16/2008
  Q: I have read the questions about this topic above but I am curious about Michigan state law when it ...
  A: Leigh: Even if the company does not have a handbook, it has a past practice, ie a practice ...
Being outsourced12/15/2008
  Q: My entire department (medical transcription) of about 50 people is probably being outsourced to a ...
  A: Laurie: You do not have to take the job with the outside company. The decision to work or not, for ...
termination12/14/2008
  Q: Can an employer terminate an employee once the employee has submitted their letter of resignation?
  A: Sonda: The short answer is yes. What many times happens is an employee gives a two week notice of ...
Hourly Requirements for Salary Employees12/12/2008
  Q: My paycheck says 40 hours. Am I required to work more than that and if I don't can I be ...
  A: Bill: Salary employees are usually on "Exempt" exempt positions, meaning exempt from overtime laws. ...
Write ups12/11/2008
  Q: ..I was recently injured and have been on disability for 1 1/2 months. Now that I'm able to go back ...
  A: Brian: You do not have to sign write ups for them to be valid, your signature only confirms you ...
hostile work inviroment12/11/2008
  Q: I recently left my job because of hostile work environment I have earned 174 sick hrs and three ...
  A: Steven: Maine does not regulate this issue, other than to say the company must follow its ...
Employment law12/10/2008
  Q: Is it illegal for your boss to tell another employee to clock you out, even if your right by the ...
  A: Vincent: It is not illegal for the boss to do this. It certainly is not a good practice. ...
mandatory meetings12/4/2008
  Q: I work for a non profit organization. I am required to attend mandatory meeting two times a month. ...
  A: Lesley: Copy and paste this into a browser. It says that Texas does not address this specifically, ...
Work Hours12/4/2008
  Q: I work in a position where I am paid hourly only if I secure clients for the company. The demands ...
  A: Jake: You are correct. Most states have laws covering minimum wage, even for commission employees. ...
layoff legality12/4/2008
  Q: I was recently laid off from a company in which I had worked for six years. I beleive my layoff was ...
  A: Suzanne: If there are no employment agreements involved or collective bargaining agreements, ...
layoff legality12/4/2008
  Q: I was recently laid off from a company in which I had worked for six years. I beleive my layoff was ...
  A: Suzanne: If the person who replaced you is 40 or older, you will be hard pressed to have an age ...
hourly vs bonus raise12/3/2008
  Q: I work in a small office (13)employees. All employees received an hourly raise, but I received a ...
  A: Patricia: Yes, this is legal. You received a lump sum payment, called a bonus, instead of an ...
Madatory overtime for hourly employees?12/2/2008
  Q: I was wonderingif you could tell me if an employer can make or demand mandatory overtime? I work for ...
  A: Greg: Without knowing details about your company I can only give a general answer, but yes, ...
Estimating hours not yet worked12/2/2008
  Q: Some hourly employees at my place of work estimate the hours they will be working from the day time ...
  A: Connie: Estimating is ok as long as there is a true up on the next pay period. Happens very ...
boothrenter 1099?11/28/2008
  Q: I own my own hair salon and booth rent my stations for a flat fee weekly.I am in the process of ...
  A: Laura: If she is only paying you rent, and you are not collecting any monies for the business she ...
Forced to Take PTO time in order keep medical insurance11/26/2008
  Q: I am a four year employee at an architectural firm that is been forced to cut back on the hours that ...
  A: Jennifer: Typically states do not allow employers to withhold employees pay for any reason short of ...
Forced to Take PTO time in order keep medical insurance11/26/2008
  Q: I am a four year employee at an architectural firm that is been forced to cut back on the hours that ...
  A: Jennifer: It is only discriminatory if they made the decision on the basis of race, age, gender, ...
Forced to Take PTO time in order keep medical insurance11/26/2008
  Q: I am a four year employee at an architectural firm that is been forced to cut back on the hours that ...
  A: Jennifer: The short answer is yes. Companies may administer their health care plans as long as ...
Salary and Vacation11/26/2008
  Q: I am a part-time salaried employee of 17years. The company is making large profits and many are ...
  A: George: Freezing ones salary, or paying lump sums instead of raising the yearly compensation is ...
Is policy discriminatory?11/25/2008
  Q: I am writing a policy handbook for a very small, private employer (fewer than 20 employees). For ...
  A: Katie: You would not be discriminating if you hold the position for for less days if on a personal ...
how many hours does a salaried employee actually owe11/23/2008
  Q: I am a salaried employee in Virginia. I have not been given a formal position description for my ...
  A: Jon: Without information on exactly what you do and the type of Company you work for it is hard for ...
being asked to do something not in job description11/23/2008
  Q: are you required to do something that is not in your job description. For example, my job is to do ...
  A: Robert: Absent a collective bargaining agreement, or similar employment agreement that prohibits ...
Termination11/22/2008
  Q: Good Morning, This is a strange situation in a very small town in Alabama. My husband does aviation ...
  A: Susan: You will not like the answer, I am afraid. Whether an employee or a contractor, the person ...
Mandatory time off in Florida11/21/2008
  Q: My employer is requiring us to take time off due to economic conditions. One of the requirements is ...
  A: Rob: No law in FL like this that I am aware of. Typically, states do not regulate vacation ...
Voluntary Layoff Severance Program11/21/2008
  Q: I, along with everyone employed, about 2,500 have been offered a Voluntary severance package ...
  A: Sandy: Typically, severance programs are intended to get a certain number of positions eliminated. ...
Questions regarding resignation and 2 weeks notice11/21/2008
  Q: I'm located in New York State and this week I informed my employer that I was resigning and gave 2 ...
  A: Mike: They are not required to pay you for time not worked. They are required to pay accrued and ...
Vacation denial11/20/2008
  Q: Is it legal for an employer to deny vacation benefits. I have accrued 80+ hours of vacation and my ...
  A: Dana: Vacations are typically not mandated by federal or state laws, therefore vacation policies ...
vacation pay11/19/2008
  Q: worked for a Condo/hotel in Texas for twenty plus years have always recieved vacation pay. Was a ...
  A: Louis: It is completely up to Company policy. If the company policy states vacation is paid out ...
Payroll on bi-monthly pay period11/18/2008
  Q: WE currently changed from a bi-weekly to a bi-monthly payroll so instead of getting paid every two ...
  A: Michele: From this web site: http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/FAQ_Paydays.htm In California, wages, ...
Varying Severance Packages in Florida11/18/2008
  Q: Mr. Ballas - After 10 years of great work, reviews and recognition, I got laid off. I received 24 ...
  A: Jancie: My concern now is that the junior counterpart did not tell you the truth. She can say ...
Varying Severance Packages in Florida11/18/2008
  Q: Mr. Ballas - After 10 years of great work, reviews and recognition, I got laid off. I received 24 ...
  A: Janice: Title VII protects against discrimination on the basis of age, gender, race, ethnic ...
PTO Cashout11/17/2008
  Q: I work in MA and my employer allows a cash out of unused vacation and sick time at the end of the ...
  A: Beverly: Typically you see employers do just what you describe, take out only taxes, since that ...
109911/17/2008
  Q: I work for a small Casino Ship in Florida, We the employees were paid as 1099 employees but was ...
  A: Margaret: If the company is holding back taxes and social security from your pay, then you are an ...
109911/16/2008
  Q: I work for a small Casino Ship in Florida, We the employees were paid as 1099 employees but was ...
  A: Margaret: If you did not fill out an application to work for the company, and do not have payroll ...
non-compete contract11/15/2008
  Q: I signed a non compete contract after 7 years of employment and I felt I was coerced into signing it ...
  A: Lorraine: I do not believe it matters when you signed the document, only that you signed it. That ...
Withholding paycheck11/15/2008
  Q: My 16yr old son works for a company that withheld his paycheck because he does not have direct ...
  A: Monique: Without knowing the state you are in I cannot research. My guess is they do not have the ...
mandatory furlough days for salaried employees11/14/2008
  Q: Mr.Ballas, Not unexpectedly, our organization is experiencing the difficulties associated with a ...
  A: Katheryn: I see no such statute. If I understand correctly, you and the other salaried employees ...
Status Changes & Court Appearance Pay11/14/2008
  Q: Can an employee's status be changed from exempt to non-exempt and vice-versa at an employer's ...
  A: Chris: A position and its duties is what it is. If it is truly exempt, it is exempt from certain ...
monies owed11/14/2008
  Q: If an employee is working and at the end of the shift does his/her float and is short any certain ...
  A: Terry: Hard to answer without knowing what state you are in but typically, the employer cannot ...
Employer underpaying11/13/2008
  Q: I took a contract employment job with a fixed monthly salary. In return I was to submit sufficient ...
  A: Matt: Without seeing the contract myself, it is hard to say for sure, but based off what you have ...
PAYCHECKS11/13/2008
  Q: CAN MY EMPLOYER WITHOLD OUR PAYCHECKS UNTIL AFTER THE INTIAL PAYDATE? WE ARE SCHEDULED TO GET PAID ...
  A: Kiana: Employers have the right to establish the day pay is distributed, as long as they meet the ...
employer asking health questions11/13/2008
  Q: My husband is a contractor working on aircraft. He just started a job at a company, although the ...
  A: Susan: The only reason I can think of the aircraft company would question about medicals is to ...
Termination after relocation11/12/2008
  Q: I was relocated from Colorado to California by my company. I was in temporary housing with my ...
  A: Tim: Absent an employment contract that prevents termination for a period of time, or has a clause ...
payroll11/12/2008
  Q: if my payday fell on a federal holiday, is my employer required to pay me the business day before ...
  A: Heath: Companies are allowed to make this type of decision on their own. There are regulations out ...
charging employees for broken dishware11/11/2008
  Q: Is it within legal rights for a restaurant to charge employees for broken dishware? ANSWER: ...
  A: Natosha: This is legal only if the employee has agreed to it in writing. Copy and paste the below ...
hourly employees and clocking in11/11/2008
  Q: We don't have a punch time card system just a manual write in log. Our employer has recently ...
  A: Sandra: You must be paid for the time worked. So, if you punch in 5 minutes ahead of your start ...
Please help! I was fired before my health benefits started, and I'm pregnant.11/11/2008
  Q: I was just recently discharged from Terminix (Service Master Company Branch); one month before my ...
  A: Johana: The fact you are pregnant does not protect your from discharge in and of itself. If you ...
Write ups that shouldnt be11/10/2008
  Q: Early this morning I called my work to let my manager know that I was not going to be attending work ...
  A: Bryan: Supervisors cannot force you to provide details of your illness. Many companies have rules ...
Employment Agreement Termination11/10/2008
  Q: Ballas, I had an at-will employment agreement with a small start-up company that agreed to pay me 6 ...
  A: JT: Without seeing the agreement, I cannot state for certain, but absent any language that requires ...
laid off after giving surgery notice11/10/2008
  Q: Was I discriminated agaist or wrongly let go because i gave notice for a rotator cuf surgery & a ...
  A: Nunzio: I hesitate to say yes to your question with such limited information. I need to know ...
payroll check out of the envelope11/8/2008
  Q: I tossed a check in the garbage by accident. I dug through the trash and found it. It was covered ...
  A: Daniel: Not true, to my knowledge. You do not say if you are a Supervisor of the terminated ...
I did not recieve my paycheck from my employer and payroll checks bounce11/8/2008
  Q: I have worked for the same company for over 3 years. The owner of the company has not paid anyone ...
  A: Michelle: Without knowing what state you are in, I can only advise that under Federal law, if the ...
Please Help! holding paycheck!?!?!11/7/2008
  Q: My fiance went to work for a family friend at a privately owned hardware store. He was working for ...
  A: It sounds as though he was not really an employee. By that I mean, did he fill out an application, ...
Girlfriends picking up paychecks11/7/2008
  Q: Is there a standard letter I can have an employee sign to allow for a girlfriend or friend to pickup ...
  A: Jennifer: I have not seen any such standard letter. I personally would not allow anyone who is not ...
Overpaid wages11/7/2008
  Q: My daughter's employer discovered that her supervisor was overpaying employees as far back as a ...
  A: Susan: Typically not. Check your states website under employment and see if you can find something ...
forced to attend church service for work11/7/2008
  Q: I am a preschool teacher at a local church and was told when hired we were not required to be ...
  A: Cindy: I do not believe the church can legally take adverse employment action against you for ...
90 day probation period - Bus days or actual 90 days?11/6/2008
  Q: My new employer in Florida hired me and said in my offer Email that i would have a 90-day Probation ...
  A: Nancy: Probation periods are not regulated by local, state, or federal statues, unless you are ...
raise11/6/2008
  Q: I work in a company for about 3 years now, I started as a receptionist and as the time went by I ...
  A: Well, the fact you were promised the raise, and yet have not gotten it, is an issue between you and ...
W-2 to 1099 switch mid-year11/6/2008
  Q: I am a hair stylist. I have worked at the same salon for over 4 years, and have been paid on W-2 ...
  A: Molly: You can certainly prepare a contract and present to the owner, although that is typically ...
emp vs. ind. cont.?11/5/2008
  Q: I was recently involved in an auto accident while getting lunch, at the request of my employer, for ...
  A: Susan Ok. The first website is from Florida, and talks about minimum wage in Florida. The second ...
Salary employee11/5/2008
  Q: I am a salary employee of a business with 7 employees. I have 15 days of vacation/sick time per ...
  A: RaChauna If you are truly a salaried employee,and the employer does not pay for time worked, then ...
alteration of time card11/5/2008
  Q: Can a supervisor change an employee's time card to indicate hours worked are not overtime, is this ...
  A: Mary: Go to this website, it will tell you about the overtime laws. ...
W-2 to 1099 switch mid-year11/5/2008
  Q: I am a hair stylist. I have worked at the same salon for over 4 years, and have been paid on W-2 ...
  A: You should get a form 1099 at the end of the year that shows what you made as a contractor. You are ...
emp vs. ind. cont.?11/4/2008
  Q: I was recently involved in an auto accident while getting lunch, at the request of my employer, for ...
  A: Susan: You have not really posed a question, but, depending on the state you are in, my guess is ...
alteration of time card11/4/2008
  Q: Can a supervisor change an employee's time card to indicate hours worked are not overtime, is this ...
  A: Mary: Employers typically must pay overtime for more than 40 hours per week, if they are subject to ...
Furlough & Tuition Reimbursement11/4/2008
  Q: I work at a company that requires employees to pay back any tuition reimbursed within the past year ...
  A: Neil: The furlough has nothing to do with the payback, except the employee is not working, ...
Worked hours not paid11/4/2008
  Q: My husband works for HOpe Coal COmpany in Central Alabama. He worked salary @ $2300 per week. His ...
  A: Michael; This is against the Code of Alabama Section 25-3-4. You must be paid for time worked. ...
Plant Manager--I report to him11/3/2008
  Q: After an argument, he told me he had one thing to say to me F--- You. Is there anything I can do ...
  A: Alicia: You can certainly complain to his Supervisor about the harsh language. You could, if you ...
docked pay11/3/2008
  Q: My daugther's pay was docked 2 hours. Boss said because daughter did a college report on boss' time. ...
  A: CJ: Typically, time worked must be recognized and paid by the employer. If one uses company time ...
Salary Increase after a reduction in workforce11/3/2008
  Q: A local company in Nebraska had a 25% reduction in their workforce. My husband's position was ...
  A: Kandie: The decision to increase compensation or not for a position is that of the company, and ...
Laid off for no reason11/3/2008
  Q: I was just wounder what its called when you can get laid off for no reason @ the work place, they ...
  A: Kathy: Yes, that is commonly done. The term is typically called "at will employment", meaning you ...
beening told i have to work 5 days .11/1/2008
  Q: does my employer have the right to force me to work 5 days?we normaly work 4 13hour days,and get ...
  A: Mark: The company can change your working days and hours, as long as they give you notice of the ...
commission employee11/1/2008
  Q: What right as an employer do I have in asking that our esthicians must stay at least 4 hours each ...
  A: Lisa: If they are truly employees and not independent contractors, the following applies. If you ...
terminated for job abandonment11/1/2008
  Q: I was hired as a summer nurse extern in 6/07. It was explained that I would receive per diem pay for ...
  A: Melissa: Most companies do not provide details on why an employee leaves the service of the ...
Wages10/31/2008
  Q: Is there a law that companys have to follow if you are server once you can no longer earn tips and ...
  A: Jami: I need to know what state you are in to answer for sure, but generally, yes, if you work for ...
Who is supposed to be on salary10/31/2008
  Q: I am a field service technician for the oil field pumping units in California. I was hired on as a ...
  A: Anthony: Typically, salaried employees are ones who supervise others, and those who make ...
HR Compliance10/30/2008
  Q: I was recently let go from a midsize privately owned company. I was let go because I wanted to put ...
  A: Cindy: Without knowing the state you are in, I don't know if you can remain anonymous. Also, if ...
Resignation & Firing10/30/2008
  Q: I live in New York state. I gave my two week notice and then got fired. Do I get paid for the two ...
  A: Arlene: I can find nothing in the statutes that state you be paid for the two weeks if you did not ...
PAYROLL BOUNCED?10/30/2008
  Q: i live in Ohio. I recently terminated employment with my ex boss due to financial strain on his ...
  A: Jordan: Copy and paste this address into a browser. It has information on Ohio statutes pertaining ...
Sign-on bonus repayment10/29/2008
  Q: I accepted a position in Arizona that includes a sign-on bonus. Basically it's three paragraphs: 1) ...
  A: Without seeing the agreement, it is impossible for me to say for certain. That said, if the ...
Not getting paid for work10/29/2008
  Q: How long does and employer have to pay compensation to you for hours worked in Michigan? I get paid ...
  A: Theodore: You should be paid for the time worked on the next regular payroll. You have waited an ...
Mandatory meetings and overtime10/29/2008
  Q: At my workplace, our time clock has options to clock in as "productive" or "non productive". My ...
  A: La does not have statutes on ot/minimum wage etc. From the LA website: Questions Concerning ...
Mandatory meetings and overtime10/28/2008
  Q: At my workplace, our time clock has options to clock in as "productive" or "non productive". My ...
  A: Carol: I have to know what state you are in, and if there is a Union agreement or other employment ...
Salareied employee rights10/28/2008
  Q: I was a supervisor on salried pay. When placed on salary, I was advised that I no longer needed to ...
  A: Scott: Without knowing what state you are in it is impossible for me to say for certain. ...
Changing Job Duties10/28/2008
  Q: I have a civil service job for Sacramento County. I am a licensed contractor and an engineer. I was ...
  A: John: I know of no law that states a job description cannot be changed by a company or a public ...
employee scheduling10/27/2008
  Q: if i go into work for my 10am-4pm shift and during that time the person who is supposed to be in at ...
  A: Jessica: Absent a collective bargaining agreement, or employment agreement that says you cannot be ...
prenancy laws10/27/2008
  Q: I was recently told by my employer I could only work in the store if there was another person ...
  A: Frances: Below is information of your rights under current Federal Laws pertaining to Pregnancy and ...
Questions about health, healthcare appointments10/27/2008
  Q: Sorry to bother you with this, but I have no where to turn. I live in Arizona, and am in a ...
  A: Kay: I simply cannot find anything in the Arizona statutes, so I looked for the federal HIPPA ...
Fifth Amendment/Promotions/Prof. Occupations w/ No Degree10/26/2008
  Q: 1. What laws are there regarding your employee rights and the Fifth Amendment? 2. Can HR ensure ...
  A: Sara: Freedom of speech does not mean one can say anything they wish. In the work setting, ...
Fifth Amendment/Promotions/Prof. Occupations w/ No Degree10/25/2008
  Q: 1. What laws are there regarding your employee rights and the Fifth Amendment? 2. Can HR ensure ...
  A: Sara: The first is a difficult question, and I need to know the circumstances surrounding the ...
SC laws regarding notice10/25/2008
  Q: I want to know if in the state of South Carolina, once you give a notice (2 weeks) and they let you ...
  A: Kaycee: If you resign in writing with 2 weeks notice, and are let go without pay for the last week, ...
Final Paycheck10/25/2008
  Q: I was terminated because of the "economy" and received my final paycheck from the managing ...
  A: Tara: This is unusual, to say the least. You worked for the company, not the individual, but, the ...
Salaried Manager10/25/2008
  Q: I have an salaried manager who has been employed with us for 6 months. Our salaried managers work ...
  A: Patricia: What does the Dr's note say as to why she cannot work more than these hours? You should ...
Schedule change10/24/2008
  Q: I am a non exempt employee in CA and I was told from the day that I was hired that everyone in the ...
  A: April: You state they have asked you to work, implying the choice is yours. I do not think they ...
Employer not wanting to pay me for hours work10/24/2008
  Q: I had to quit because i move to Maryland and the Owner Sherri said she will not pay me for the back ...
  A: Bruce: By NJ statute, you must be paid out the compensation due you for the work performed. The ...
Public School employee in Colorado10/24/2008
  Q: I am an assistant in a public school located in the state of Colorado. We have many meeting during ...
  A: Alicia: According to Colorado's website, it is not legal. Copy and paste the web address below ...
With holding all final monies for hours worked10/24/2008
  Q: This week I terminated my employment i do know that when i quit that the employer has 72 hours to ...
  A: Paula: Without knowing the state you are in, I cannot state for certain. Typically, an employer ...
Time without pay versus vacation pay10/24/2008
  Q: I receive one week of vacation every year for the first three year and then two weeks. My ...
  A: Karen: If the Company does not have any published policies on matters like this, Supervisors are ...
Exempt Managers10/23/2008
  Q: I work for a small restaurant in Florida, and I am the only manager. Last Christmas we were going ...
  A: If your position is really more management than anything else, you are not likely due any overtime. ...
Payroll10/23/2008
  Q: I'm a waiter at a Mexican restaurant, i get paid 3.15 dollars per hour, i work 40 hours a week and i ...
  A: Harvey: Impossible for me to say why your check has dropped so much. Are you still paid every 2 ...
Nebraska Wage Payment & Collections Act10/23/2008
  Q: I recently went part-time at a job to pursue another full-time job. When I dropped down to part-time ...
  A: John: Looks like you can file a complaint under that Act. The first website address takes you to ...
Docked Pay10/22/2008
  Q: Recently the employees at the Public Library that I work at received a memo about time cards stating ...
  A: Ann: I really need to know what state you are in, and what city employs you. Public workers can ...
salon wages for commisioned employees in IL10/22/2008
  Q: So I saw this question posted on Pennsylvania, how about IL? Can you list the legal information to ...
  A: Miguel: Have checked the Illinois state website and cannot find a direct reference to commissioned ...
late paycheck10/22/2008
  Q: I am employed in AZ and we are supposed to be paid every other Friday, the company I work for is ...
  A: Kristin: The below Q&A is off the Arizona state website. Here is the address, copy and paste into ...
Hiring10/21/2008
  Q: I recently became aware of a position opening in my department that I had applied for previously. ...
  A: Gail: The Manager is free to hire as she sees fit, as long as she does not discriminate on the ...
Large Company taking away lunch breaks from employees.10/21/2008
  Q: Ballas, I have a question, I already know the answer, but I want to hear it from an expert. My ...
  A: Jennifer: Copy this website and paste into your browser. It is from the Texas state website, and ...
independent contractor/booth renter in a Hair Salon10/21/2008
  Q: I am a hair stylist in a salon and we are called independent contractors. We supply all our own ...
  A: Anthony: As an independent contractor, you are paid via a company check with no taxes withheld. ...
Colorado law-restaurant server errors10/20/2008
  Q: In Colorado, is it legal for restaurants to make their servers pay out of their own pocket when an ...
  A: Melissa: No, it is not allowed under Colorado statute, in fact this is an example expressly used as ...
Salaried employee10/20/2008
  Q: When I first started in my position I was under the assumption that I was an hourly employee, after ...
  A: Kathy: The test for Salaried vs hourly is usually questions like, do you supervise others, do you ...
Mandatory Meetings10/20/2008
  Q: I read your response about mandatory meetings and that you should be paid for them. I also went onto ...
  A: Kristin: Mandatory meetings that are considered service to the company must be compensated, by ...
Unsigned Relocation Agreement10/19/2008
  Q: Last spring, my wife was recruited for a job that required relocation to Texas. The relocation ...
  A: Bill Logic tells me no, she is not liable to repay the relo money. I presume you did not keep a ...
Employment Termination10/18/2008
  Q: My wife is an ultrasound technician in a department of 2 at a local hospital her in Des Moines IA. ...
  A: I would call the Iowa Board of Nursing (Tel: 515/281-3255) and ask if there is a state statute that ...
Job Postings10/18/2008
  Q: Our employees manual does not address part time job conversions to full time. A part time job is ...
  A: Aaron: This is entirely up to the Company, and I have seen it done both ways. Absent any union ...
Got Laid Off10/18/2008
  Q: I was laid off from my last job in June 2008 because they said they could not afford to keep two ...
  A: Mike: No, unfortunately there is no statute that requires a severance package for someone who is ...
Unpaid Expense Reports10/17/2008
  Q: I've worked for my company for about 18 months. During this time I have routinely submitted expense ...
  A: Richard: I cannot find anything on it specifically. Not everything is addressed by state statutes, ...
Pay Reduction10/17/2008
  Q: In the office where I work the boss said he was changing my job title and that because of the new ...
  A: Lou: There is nothing to prevent the company from changing a position, adding or deleting duties, ...
Should I be getting paid to attend mandatory training ?10/17/2008
  Q: I work in the state of Mississippi and at day-care. The state requires all employees to have 15 ...
  A: Vanezza: Many companies do pay for such training, but some do not. Some companies require that ...
Bonus Pay Back10/16/2008
  Q: I have an employment agreement that requires the recipient of a relocation/sign on bonus to "earn ...
  A: John: If I understand correctly, your agreement says you must work one hour for each dollar ...
payroll deduction10/16/2008
  Q: i am a delivery driver, my truck is preloaded at night by the warehouse personnel, when i arrive at ...
  A: All I can find is the minimum wage law. If they deduct for missing product, and such reduction ...
time clock10/16/2008
  Q: is is illegal for a supervisor to alter an employee's time by manipulating the clock he punches ...
  A: Curtis: If the supervisor is manipulating the time clock to inaccurately compute the hours actually ...
Employment rules and regulations10/15/2008
  Q: Is it legal for a Home Health Care agency, in New York, to forbid an employee from socializing with ...
  A: Frank: There are not laws that govern each and every behavior. Companies may have policy and ...
payroll deduction10/15/2008
  Q: i am a delivery driver, my truck is preloaded at night by the warehouse personnel, when i arrive at ...
  A: If they are deducting a portion of your pay for the alleged shortages, without your permission, then ...
109910/14/2008
  Q: If a person works for a company temporary as 1099 on premises, does he/she entitle to overtime pay?
  A: Inna: Typically, a person who is a contractor is paid the full agreed upon amount, with no taxes ...
FMLA and sick/vacation pay10/14/2008
  Q: My mother is 67 years old and has worked at her job for 20+ years. Recently, my father became ...
  A: Jeff: If your Mothers company allows employees to utilize paid time off (PTO) for the care of a ...
Help!!! I need my money!10/14/2008
  Q: Just April of this year I had finally received two paychecks from a job that I had quit with a 2 ...
  A: You should file a claim with the State of California as soon as possible. Here is the website ...
not getting paid for a days work when I don't punch out10/9/2008
  Q: My employer does not pay us for any days that we forget to punch in or out. This does not happen ...
  A: Teresa: It sounds as though you are getting paid, but late if you do not punch in and out. There ...
Time-clock increments and payroll10/9/2008
  Q: If an employee has a shift that ends at 3:30 p.m. and clocks out at 3:38 p.m., his time paid rounds ...
  A: Deborah: Employers are required to pay for time worked. If you are working unauthorized overtime, ...
Payroll10/8/2008
  Q: If there was an error in my direct deposit and the money was deducted and never deposited should i ...
  A: Corey: Not sure I understand what happen. There was an error in your direct deposit. Then, are ...
not getting paid for hours worked10/8/2008
  Q: i worked 40 hours overtime and did not get paid for them. my employer was informed and will fix it ...
  A: Chris: Without knowing what state you are in, I cannot look the law. I think your best course of ...
forced time off10/8/2008
  Q: if i am a salaru employee, and i recently was given a week off of work without any explanation for ...
  A: Connie: While what you describe is a bit unusual, there is no law against it unless the company has ...
Insurance10/8/2008
  Q: My husband was terminated from his job on July 8. A few days later we received a letter stating ...
  A: Rose: Hard to be too accurate without knowing what state you are in, but employees typically have ...
mandatory lunch10/7/2008
  Q: In the state of Colorado is there a law that states you must take a lunch break at the end of five ...
  A: Michael: Yes, there is such language under Colorado State law. Cut and paste the below site into a ...
pto time10/7/2008
  Q: I worked for a doctor in ohio. I was told verbally in the first month of employment that I had 10 ...
  A: Danielle: My guess is the Doctor you work for is a practice with less than 15 employees, and no ...
employment contract - issue?10/7/2008
  Q: I was hired last May as the Sales Executive/Event Coordinator of a 3 year old Lodge in northern ...
  A: Crystal: Here is a link to an employment contract between an executive and Las Vegas Sands, a hotel ...
Severance Package in Florida10/6/2008
  Q: I was demoted for no reason then told I had to transfer at a lesser position to another location ...
  A: The answer is in the Company policies, as the State of Florida does not state companies have to ...
Is this wrongful termination?10/6/2008
  Q: I am a 20yr. old black female in Georgia. I don't know if that information is important but you may ...
  A: Typically, employment in Georgia is considered "at will" meaning you work there because you want ...
Hours worked not showing on pay stub10/6/2008
  Q: I work in Orange County, NY. My pay stub does not show hours worked. I believe it should. What do ...
  A: Mindi: Typically, this information is available to all employees. If you have not reported this ...
Mandatory meetings off the clock10/6/2008
  Q: I am a non-exempt employee in the payroll/hr field. My supervisor has just made schedules for after ...
  A: If attendance is considered work, then she must pay you at least minimum wage. The problem is the ...
cant work weekends10/5/2008
  Q: i have worked at toys r us for 2 years now and my husband just joined the army and will be leaving ...
  A: Kristen: It is up the the company to establish when employees work, and there is nothing illegal ...
TRAVEL TIME10/5/2008
  Q: WE MEET AT THE SHOP AND PICK UP OUR WORK TRUCKS. WE THEN DRIVE 1 HOUR AND FIFTEEN MINUTES TO THE ...
  A: Michael: Hard to say without knowing what state you work in, and if there is a union contract or ...
payroll deductions.10/5/2008
  Q: I have been employed with a small franchise business for over a year and a half. Well, we just ...
  A: Amy: During the 18 months, did you utilize the health care in any fashion? Also, when you were ...
time card10/4/2008
  Q: recently my employer have been docking my department for punching out early or before the end of the ...
  A: There is no such law. Companies must pay at least minimum pay for hours worked, but are not ...
Mandatory meetings off the clock10/3/2008
  Q: I am a non-exempt employee in the payroll/hr field. My supervisor has just made schedules for after ...
  A: Lisa: There is no law that prohibits the employer scheduling a safety meeting at a certain time. ...
Discrimination after return to work10/3/2008
  Q: I believe my company is imposing disciplinary action against me as a result of my return to work ...
  A: Frances: If your leave was under the Family and Medical Leave Act, and if the disciplinary action ...
commision work10/3/2008
  Q: I am on commissioned only work for a pest control company. When there is no commission work I am ...
  A: Robert: Per the info from the below website, you should be at least paid minimum wage if you are ...
Holding of pay10/3/2008
  Q: In Texas, can the employer hold employee's paycheck an extra week for not turning a report in by the ...
  A: Gene: No, final pay must be made by the employer in keeping with the below language: Final Pay ...
Salary Question10/3/2008
  Q: I am on salary based on 40hrs, If I only work 38hrs I am payed for 38hrs not 40 hence a short ...
  A: Randall: Here is a link to a Virginia website that provides forms for reporting labor and wage ...
Salary Question10/3/2008
  Q: I am on salary based on 40hrs, If I only work 38hrs I am payed for 38hrs not 40 hence a short ...
  A: Randall: Typically, if someone is a salaried employee, or exempt, as defined by wage and hour law, ...
on call10/2/2008
  Q: Can an hourly employee be asked to carry a company cell phone with them at all times and respond to ...
  A: Herb: I think that can be required of the employee as a condition of employment. If one was ...
increasing my goal10/2/2008
  Q: I am a hourly/commission based employee, when i started my job 5.5 years ago i was told the we have ...
  A: Lori: The short answer is yes, it is legal. To my knowledge, there is no law against a company ...
Pay for travel out of town when an hourly employee10/2/2008
  Q: I am required to travel from Oregon to Chicago for a market. I am wondering if I should be paid for ...
  A: Latte54: Generally, when you are paid by the hour, and working away from your assigned office, ...
timecards10/2/2008
  Q: My supervisor has been clocking us out before we are done working and then letting us know what time ...
  A: No federal law on this, to my knowledge. Let me know what state you are in, and I will check the ...
Termination for absences10/2/2008
  Q: I am an occupational therapist working for a physician-owned private practice in Pennsylvania. I ...
  A: Julie: The answer depends on how many employees your company has. If 50 or more for 20 days or more ...
confidentiality10/2/2008
  Q: an employee of a nursing home facility gets terminated upon termination the administrator informs ...
  A: Shel: I know of no federal law that makes this a violation. Typically, companies will reveal that ...
Sick Days10/1/2008
  Q: My employer is asking for a doctors note every time I take a sick day. I have been told that they ...
  A: Gordon: My review of Michigan labor laws do not show any statute that says a company cannot require ...
Failure to issue P/R check10/1/2008
  Q: My last employer has failed to issue my final paycheck. I have called and left messages for him, ...
  A: Beverly: From the Virginia website: When an employee terminates, when are his final wages due? ...
mileage reimbursement10/1/2008
  Q: My husband was working for a distribution company and had to drive back and forth to all of the area ...
  A: Liz: Without knowing what state your husband worked in, I cannot look up state laws. Typically ...
Failure to issue P/R check10/1/2008
  Q: My last employer has failed to issue my final paycheck. I have called and left messages for him, ...
  A: Beverly: Most states have laws that regulate when a last paycheck must be paid by the employer. ...
Time card/Sheets turn in time9/30/2008
  Q: I work for a large corporation. I am paid bi-weekly (Every two weeks) Our work week starts on ...
  A: David: Given that many employees work odd hours, after payroll is put to bed, the practice of ...
Salary vs. Hourly9/29/2008
  Q: I have a friend who was hired as Salary for a satelite office in TN (from an office in IA). ...
  A: Katy: Your friend is what is called an exempt employee, one who typically supervisors others and ...
OUT OF TOWN RE-INBURSEMENT9/29/2008
  Q: What is the Arizona protocol when working out of town with regards to hotel stays and meals with who ...
  A: Jennifer: States typically do not get involved on how companies pay the expenses of employees, so ...
At Will Work9/29/2008
  Q: My boss likes to threaten about your At Will and I can fire you just because? He thinks just because ...
  A: Chris: At will employment means you work for the company you choose to work for because you wish ...
discrimination/unfair treatment after reporting violations by HR9/29/2008
  Q: I work in Ohio at a so called "Christian Company" that is privately owned witch is an "at will ...
  A: The company may be fined by the government for their action, if the government finds the actions ...
Calling out procedure9/29/2008
  Q: I was just curious as to what are the NY state laws and procedure for calling out of work? Can an ...
  A: Yes, such policies and procedures are perfectly legal, unless yours is a city, state, or federal ...
discrimination/unfair treatment after reporting violations by HR9/29/2008
  Q: I work in Ohio at a so called "Christian Company" that is privately owned witch is an "at will ...
  A: Christy: You do not describe that the company paid employees based on their age, race, gender, ...
Employment termination9/29/2008
  Q: I live in New Jersey. I was recently terminated. I had noticed on my last check that I have 75 ...
  A: Chris: Vacation time is not regulated by the government unless there is a collective bargaining ...
involuntary FMLA9/28/2008
  Q: Check, check, check. Employer and employee are both covered by FMLA, ADA and employer did force a ...
  A: Sharon: Yes, such a statement would be illegal under the ADA. It does not matter why an employee ...
out of town9/28/2008
  Q: im working out of town and my boss is paying for room but not food.should he not be paying for food ...
  A: Audie: That is the usual case for workers who work away from their home station assignment. Your ...
Husband not getting paid9/28/2008
  Q: My husband left a his job to work at another restuarant. He has been having problems cashing his ...
  A: Janet: I presume then that when he pays in cash he pays the net amount, after taxes. If correct, ...
Family Business9/28/2008
  Q: I'm sorry my question is so long and extremely complicated. My husband worked for a family ...
  A: Carissa: Your question is best answered by a local attorney familiar with the state statutes this ...
payroll reduction9/27/2008
  Q: My company held an informal meeting with all managers and informed us that effective next paycheck ...
  A: The likely answer is yes. Depending on what state you work in, and what you do, there could be a ...
involuntary FMLA9/27/2008
  Q: Check, check, check. Employer and employee are both covered by FMLA, ADA and employer did force a ...
  A: From what you have stated, I believe they have violated the ADA, by failing to accommodate a non ...
question about hours I have to be in the store9/27/2008
  Q: I have filed a complaint with the EEOC for sexual harrassment,harrassment and retaliation. My salary ...
  A: Mark: I cannot locate anything that speaks directly to commission sales only, but, if the company ...
FMLA violation9/27/2008
  Q: Can an employer force an involuntary FMLA on an employee that does not have a "serious medical ...
  A: Sharon: Companies may designate leave for an employee is FMLA, in fact the law states that if the ...
resigning, health issues, immediate termination?9/27/2008
  Q: I am going to have to resign from my job, because part of my job requires repetitive lifting of ...
  A: Lu: Typically, if an employee resigns it is done so in writing. When notice is given, companies ...
Jury duty9/26/2008
  Q: I have a slary employee who has been reporting for jury duty. he comes in for 2 hrs and then he ...
  A: Grace: Sounds like he is a exempt employee, on a salaried position. Exempt means exempt from ...
Not getting my paycheck9/26/2008
  Q: My employeer hasn't been paying me or other employees. She keeps asking us to wait. We all feel like ...
  A: Without doubt, your employer is violating federal law, by not paying you at least minimum wage. ...
Trying to Start an Internship Program9/25/2008
  Q: My company is looking to start up an internship program, and we do not know anything about getting ...
  A: Break the work into separate disciplines. As example, in a railroad company they would be ...
Husband not getting paid9/25/2008
  Q: My husband left a his job to work at another restuarant. He has been having problems cashing his ...
  A: Janet: Do the paychecks ultimately clear? If so, he is being paid, but depending on when they ...
Monthly pay9/24/2008
  Q: Can employers in CA pay you only once a month?
  A: Jackie: Depends on what your position is, see below. Employee Classification Rule Labor Code ...
salary9/24/2008
  Q: I've been working at a pizza shop for about a year now as manager. I moved from night shift to ...
  A: Yes, there is nothing illegal about paying one manager more than another. That is also not unusual. ...
question about hours I have to be in the store9/24/2008
  Q: I have filed a complaint with the EEOC for sexual harrassment,harrassment and retaliation. My salary ...
  A: Mark: In order to answer some of these questions, I need to know what state you work in. Many ...
hair salon commission vs.hourly wage9/24/2008
  Q: If an employee is 100% commission and the employer forces her/him to be there hours that they do not ...
  A: Beth: Yes, per Pennsylvania statute below. §231.23. Commission. When an employee is compensated ...
PTO9/24/2008
  Q: If a person owes a company a personal loan and they were termed without making a payment on it, is ...
  A: Without knowing what state you are in, and what PTO covers in your company, it is impossible for me ...
Time clock punches for breaks/meals9/23/2008
  Q: Recently our employer, a major theme park, has required us to clock out for specific breaks & meals. ...
  A: No law is violated, but your time off does not start until you clock out, and does not end until you ...
hr violation9/22/2008
  Q: are there standards (laws) regarding hr department/employee confidentiality in this county? or is it ...
  A: There are laws that demand confidentially for private information concerning SS#'s and health care ...
Travel9/22/2008
  Q: I do quite a bit of traveling for my company, and I'm an exempt salaried employee. If my normal ...
  A: Dennis: Below is the formal definition. Definition: An exempt employee is an employee who, ...
Travel9/22/2008
  Q: I do quite a bit of traveling for my company, and I'm an exempt salaried employee. If my normal ...
  A: Dennis: An exempt employee is exempt from the federal wage and hour laws, so I really do not think ...
Hourly employee - holiday pay9/22/2008
  Q: The company I work for started having employees in our office 24 hours a day. They work 12 hour ...
  A: Rhonda: There are no laws that prevent a company from handling its exempt employees differently ...
Deducting 1.5% more than the time i missed9/22/2008
  Q: I work in an Insurance company in NY. One of my coworker took a day(8hrs) off because she was sick. ...
  A: Ms. Park: I must see the policies and procedures on your sick days. Sick pay is not required by ...
Working9/20/2008
  Q: My daughter works as a waitress. She, and others, are regularly asked to come in, but not clock in - ...
  A: Sam: Sounds to me as though the Company is in violation of NC State law governing minimum wage. ...
Deducting 1.5% more than the time i missed9/19/2008
  Q: I work in an Insurance company in NY. One of my coworker took a day(8hrs) off because she was sick. ...
  A: Ms. Park In order to answer, I must understand the policies and procedures for sick time at your ...
Salary or hourly position9/18/2008
  Q: I'm working for a company, where for the first time in a long time I have to punch in and out (an ...
  A: Lucinda: I should have asked you if the Center is receiving funds from Medicare. I suspect the ...
Salary or hourly position9/17/2008
  Q: I'm working for a company, where for the first time in a long time I have to punch in and out (an ...
  A: Lucinda: In order to help, I need more information. What type of work are you doing? Is the ...
Hourly rates9/17/2008
  Q: Can a hourly employee's pay rate be decreased. Example. Employee's current hourly rate is 7.25, ...
  A: Dianna: Yes, a company may reduce the rate of pay for a particular position, unless there is a ...
Pregnancy FMLA9/17/2008
  Q: I am expecting my first child in March, 2009. Based on some internet research I was under the ...
  A: Sara: Section 825.112 of FMLA expressly covers your situation, as shown below. You should be able ...
employment regarding boyfriend/girlfriend9/11/2008
  Q: The subject sounds strange but in the hand book provided by the retail chain my son works for, It ...
  A: Kenneth: I can find nothing in Mass statutes that prohibits an employer from having such a policy. ...
Last check held till exit interview complete9/11/2008
  Q: I work for a medical billing company - worked. I left on a Monday and didn't come back since I found ...
  A: Many states require that employees who leave the service be paid out that same day, or within so ...
vacation9/10/2008
  Q: Can an employee be paid for over 40 hours with vacation included in one pay period? Our pay periods ...
  A: Without knowing the policies and procedures for your payroll group, I am hesitant to say for ...
Vacation and Sick leave9/9/2008
  Q: Can my employer force me to use vacation or sick leave time due to inclement weather. I am a county ...
  A: Kathy: I would approach the Manager and pose the question to him. Have ready the policy that ...
Vacation and Sick leave9/9/2008
  Q: Can my employer force me to use vacation or sick leave time due to inclement weather. I am a county ...
  A: Kathy: Without seeing the policy and procedure manual, it is hard for me to say for sure, but, a ...
Payroll deduction - lost health insurance9/5/2008
  Q: As a commission-only sales rep, the company cancelled my health insurance after my pay was not ...
  A: Marty: Without knowing what state you are in, it is hard to answer, but generally, if you are cut ...
Paydates9/5/2008
  Q: Our company just merged with another out of Scottsdale, AZ. I work in Illinois. We were notified ...
  A: Presuming you are a non government company, there is no law that requires direct deposit be made ...
fired after giving 2week notice9/4/2008
  Q: after lack of hours and late pay i had a talk with the my boss about taking hours away from me i ...
  A: Amber: Your ability to get unemployment depends on what type of work you did, and what state you ...
time cards8/29/2008
  Q: In CA, what needs to be on a timecard (either electronic or handwritten) to be in compliance with ...
  A: Here is a the only link I can find on the issue of what must be on a time card, and it addresses the ...
time cards8/28/2008
  Q: In CA, what needs to be on a timecard (either electronic or handwritten) to be in compliance with ...
  A: Here is a link to a FAQ on California wage laws that answers ...
Commission based W2 employee8/28/2008
  Q: 1. If he or she is strictly a commission based employee (W2 filled out) and he or she works 10+ hrs ...
  A: Here are a couple of websites that will help you. 1. Looks like all time, commissioned base work ...
Want to teach again8/28/2008
  Q: I am a special educator of 30 years (Vermont). As the paperwork became more and more demanding I was ...
  A: My son is now in college, doing ok with the school load, but having a tough time socially. Tons of ...
Layoff severance8/27/2008
  Q: I was employed at a venture backed startup, where I performed multiple business development ...
  A: Mark: Typically release and resignation agreements incorporate the end of any additional ...
Running Water at work8/27/2008
  Q: Is an employer allowed to keep employees at work when there is no running water?
  A: Without knowing what type of work you are involved in it is hard to say for sure. As example, in ...
Want to teach again8/26/2008
  Q: I am a special educator of 30 years (Vermont). As the paperwork became more and more demanding I ...
  A: Eileen: My son has ADHD, along with other disabilities, so I completely understand. In order to ...
severance and payout of unused PTO, Virginia8/25/2008
  Q: I was terminated on August 4 for supposedly poor performance, even though my performance review 2 ...
  A: I have pasted the website of FAQ's on the wage laws of Virginia. It sounds as though you were paid ...
Two weeks notice/last paycheck8/23/2008
  Q: I put my two weeks notice in at my job at a gas station in Ontario on August 12th, and would be ...
  A: I think the issue is when did the Company consider you no longer to be employed. If two weeks from ...
accrued sick time8/22/2008
  Q: I have worked at a church (non-profit 501c3)in California for 13 years. Under the past management I ...
  A: If all this time is sick time, I can see no law that mandates you must be allowed to retain it if ...
Do contract employees have any rights?8/22/2008
  Q: I am a 6 month contract employee for our local county sheriffs office. On Monday due to the storm, ...
  A: If you are a contractor for the sheriffs office, you are not an employee. Contractors typically get ...
Vacation pay8/21/2008
  Q: If you earn vacation and an emplorer fires you are they suppose to pay you for it or you just lose ...
  A: Cala: I really need more information in order to answer. What state are you in? Do you work under ...
Two weeks notice/last paycheck8/21/2008
  Q: I put my two weeks notice in at my job at a gas station in Ontario on August 12th, and would be ...
  A: I am unfamiliar with Canada law, so can answer only generally. If you put in notice to leave a ...
Request for Vacation Limited to 5 Days8/21/2008
  Q: My mother is employed at a company where she receives PTO as a benefit. Her employers require that ...
  A: I have looked at the state of Texas website and see no law that dictates how companies must ...
bounced payroll and taking money out for insurance when the company knew the insurance was canceled8/19/2008
  Q: Our company bounces our payroll checks what can we do? Also they have been taking health insurance ...
  A: If a company provides a bad check to employees, but subsequently makes it good, the legality of this ...
bounced payroll and taking money out for insurance when the company knew the insurance was canceled8/19/2008
  Q: Our company bounces our payroll checks what can we do? Also they have been taking health insurance ...
  A: If the company is withholding pay for insurance benefits, but not providing same, then they are not ...
suspended without pay8/19/2008
  Q: Yesterday I went to work at the usual time and was immediately directed to the employee relations ...
  A: Joshua: If you work under a union agreement, it should spell out how the company must handle ...
bounced payroll and taking money out for insurance when the company knew the insurance was canceled8/19/2008
  Q: Our company bounces our payroll checks what can we do? Also they have been taking health insurance ...
  A: Carrie: If your company is not paying you, and they are not if the checks bounce, they are in ...
hourly vs salary8/19/2008
  Q: I wasw recently hired on by a major Texas based Corp. It was understood that I would be an hourly ...
  A: It looks like, notwithstanding your understanding, they are treating you as a salaried employee, ...
FMLA8/14/2008
  Q: (1) A company has not been having ee's fill out FMLA paperwork, but they have been allowing them ...
  A: In order: 1) If a company does not designate the leave as FMLA leave, but just grants the leave, ...
notice before cutting hours8/14/2008
  Q: I work for a manufacturing co. in Gallatin,TN. We were wanting to know if a notice has to be given ...
  A: In answering, I presume you are not working under a union contract. If you are, the answer would be ...
Direct Deposit8/13/2008
  Q: We are a General Contracting company in California. We employ outside commission-only sales people. ...
  A: Terri: Are the outside commission only sales folks true employees, or independent contractors? If ...
2-week resignation8/13/2008
  Q: "I am a supervisor and an employee gave me her verbal resignation and together decided her last day ...
  A: Sandy: In answering, I presume your application for employment gives the company the right to ...
Hold back a check8/13/2008
  Q: The company I work for is a non-profit in Georgia. We have several employees who do not complete ...
  A: I presume you mean they are not completing required paperwork that is associated with their job and ...
Unpaid wages8/12/2008
  Q: I gave my employer a months notice terminate my employment, but they decided to end my employment ...
  A: I presume when you say you are a contractor that you were not truly an employee, that is, you did ...
information on paycheck/stub8/12/2008
  Q: Does State/Federal law require an employer put hours worked, ot hours, rate of pay on an hourly ...
  A: Got it. The Company must keep the records, by federal law. We know they have them, since the ...
Accrued vacation Time8/12/2008
  Q: I live in Miami, Fl. I was laid off and was told that the 17 vacation days I had saved up would not ...
  A: I would write them a certified letter, return receipt requested, asking for a copy of the policy and ...
information on paycheck/stub8/12/2008
  Q: Does State/Federal law require an employer put hours worked, ot hours, rate of pay on an hourly ...
  A: I am researching, but so far, can find only that the employer is required to keep these records up ...
virginia direct deposit8/12/2008
  Q: I live in virginia and work for a large hotel chain. Employees were informed that we would be ...
  A: Mr. Harper: I have researched the State of Virginia web site and statutes and see no law that ...
bereavement8/11/2008
  Q: does a law exist in illinios for the employer to pay an employee for bereavement days off?
  A: Wanda: I can find no statute that makes it mandatory for a private employer to pay employees for ...
Accrued vacation Time8/11/2008
  Q: I live in Miami, Fl. I was laid off and was told that the 17 vacation days I had saved up would not ...
  A: Abel: If you are working for a private company, and not a local, state, or federal agency, it is ...
Vacation Pay8/10/2008
  Q: I work for Petco as a dog groomer. We get paid commission for how many dogs we can groom. Depending ...
  A: Ben: The short answer is yes, it is legal to pay in this manner. There are no federal laws that ...
i think wrongful termination8/10/2008
  Q: Can i get fired from a job if i had a death in the family ? I called and told them the situation ...
  A: Dustin: I presume you were dismissed for missing work for going to a funeral. To my knowledge, ...
Overtime Pay8/9/2008
  Q: My company pays it's employees on the 1st and 16th of each month. I have noticed on my paycheck ...
  A: Brandy: An employer who requires or permits an employee to work overtime is generally required to ...
ADA discrimination8/7/2008
  Q: In June of this year, I was terminated from my past employer based on a policy that was rarely ...
  A: If I understand correctly, you were a disabled employee who had been granted intermittent FMLA. Did ...
ADA discrimination8/7/2008
  Q: In June of this year, I was terminated from my past employer based on a policy that was rarely ...
  A: Presuming your former Company is a covered employer under the ADA and the Family and Medical Leave ...
Commision Paid Employee8/7/2008
  Q: I work for a commercial printing company in Oklahoma, I am a straight commission paid employee, I ...
  A: There is no law that dictates how a company must pay its employees. Companies typically employ ...
Hours8/6/2008
  Q: Is It Legal For Your Employer To Work You Only 3 Hours I Once Heard The Minimum Was 4.
  A: Kevin: Without more detail, such as what state you live in, what type of work, is there a ...
work related issue.8/5/2008
  Q: what type of lawyer do you contact when you're trying to find out how to sue a company who doesn't ...
  A: Plaintiffs attorneys who specialize in employment law is the type you want to contact. Be careful ...
Commission7/31/2008
  Q: My company is growing really fast and buying other companies almost monthly. The comission plan is ...
  A: Ms.DeMontigny Go to this site://www.hum.wa.gov/employer/index.htm It gives you information about ...
FMLA-Pregnancy7/31/2008
  Q: I started my job on 1/2/08. 4 weeks ago I found out that I am pregnant. Last week I told my boss, ...
  A: Ms. Pittman: Yes, if you meet the criteria outlined in your follow up question, you would be ...
Commission7/31/2008
  Q: My company is growing really fast and buying other companies almost monthly. The comission plan is ...
  A: In order to help, I need more information. First, are you in Washington DC or Washington State? ...
FMLA-Pregnancy7/30/2008
  Q: I started my job on 1/2/08. 4 weeks ago I found out that I am pregnant. Last week I told my boss, ...
  A: Ms. Pittman: Under FMLA, and eligible employee is a employee of a covered employer who: 1. Has ...
uniform7/30/2008
  Q: IF I WORK FOR A COMPANY THAT MAKES YOU WEAR LOGO SHIRTS AND CAPS, DO THEY NEED TO PROVIDE THEM FREE ...
  A: You do not tell me the state you live in but there is no law I am aware of that mandates employers ...
Work schedules7/30/2008
  Q: I currently work at a Subway restaurant in Michigan. Our weekly schedule ends on a Tuesday and ...
  A: Robin: There is no law that requires when your company must post the new work schedule. My ...
Forced PTO7/29/2008
  Q: Recently my firm decided to close the office for the afternoon to allow all to attend a firm ...
  A: I believe I would produce a letter from my physician,documenting the motion sickness, and the ...
Forced PTO7/29/2008
  Q: Recently my firm decided to close the office for the afternoon to allow all to attend a firm ...
  A: I am not an attorney, so cannot offer a legal opinion. That said, the decision to force you to burn ...
medical deductions7/29/2008
  Q: can my employer raise the amount of medical taken out of my check with out notifying me prior? i ...
  A: Mom and Pop companies are a bit more difficult to work with, as typically there are not 15 or more ...
medical deductions7/29/2008
  Q: can my employer raise the amount of medical taken out of my check with out notifying me prior? i ...
  A: The answer to your question is in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) for the health care plan, or in ...

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