I just recently changed jobs, and there is alittle issue of pay from my former employer. I found out about the was given an offer of employment and had to begin employment in 7 days. that day i did give a letter of resignation to my (at that time) current employer. What my question is while employed with my former employer, at performance bonus was give each month. We received these bonuses a month later due to calculating PAC and so on,i.e. for the working in november-- we would receive that bonus in january. Well I have contacted them about my bonus and they are saying that because I didnt give them 2 weeks notice , I dont get my bonus. Even though I did work during that period in question. Is that proper action of the employer? Or is there something I can do about obtaining pay that I feel I earned and worked hard to receive? Please I would love your help in this situation.. Thank you

It depends entirely on the terms of the bonus agreement.

First of all I would like to thank you for replying. There were no written terms about the bonus system. It was part of the salary package when I first began with the company. It was stated that if costs and expenses were controlled we would receive a monthly bonus. Just how well we controlled those costs, labor, controlables expenses will constitute how much of a bonus we receive. Those were the only terms discussed. Does that help you at all? I just feel that because I made a move to better myself and my family for the future. I should not be penalized for the job I did while there.

Does the agreement say anything about when the bonus is to be paid?

I understand that you feel you are being penalized. The problem is that the terms and conditions of your bonus plan should outline how, when and if the bonus is payable at all. I realize you are not specifically aware of the written document that supports the program; however I would be remise in thinking that no such document exists. I know many bonus plans have conditional payouts (i.e. worker must be employed on date of bonus payment in order to receive bonus). This language is rather standard. I fully realize you do not want to hear this; but I suspect if push comes to shove, your former employer "could" produce the written specs and chances are there is some language specific to terms of payment.

Well the only thing that was said from the beginning is that a bonus for lets say the month of november will be paid the first week in january. There were no other stipulations as to whether a person was still employed or not. I just think that there is a principle issue here. I deserve to be paid for my efforts in controlling costs while i was employed there. I may never get the monies, but as I told my former employers---this is exactly why I am leaving this corporation. I am happy where I am now, and alot less stressed. I appreciate your information and guidance in this issue.