Hi, I have just joined this site because the diner I am working at has instituted a new rule where if you make a mistake on your check, you are required to pay the difference. I was just wondering if this is legal. Does anyone have any idea? Please respond as soon as possible...Thank you :)

Paying out of pocket or deducting from your paycheck? Makes a difference.

What Can Be Deducted From My Paycheck?

The thing to remember regarding deductions from your paycheck is that you must give written authorization to your employer to make such non-tax related deductions. It is not valid to sign a "blanket" authorization at the time of hire to cover any future deductions. Further, as a rule, deductions cannot reduce your gross pay below minimum wage, and the deductions must be to the benefit of the employee.

Paying out of pocket

If you make a mistake in their favor are they going to pay you the difference? I am sure they will not.

Sorry I cannot answer your question but I had to put that in there.

If it's not being deducted from your paycheck, it's really not a wage and hour issue. Sorry.

limerickwaitress, this is in fact a wage and hour issue if the money you pay to correct those mistakes takes you below minimum wage. (as calculated weekly) All your employer is trying to do is to sidestep the payroll deduction and therefore not leave a trail.

The only times they can really require restitution is in a case where you were grossly negligent or dishonest or something like that.

But there is nothing illegal about your employer firing you for those mistakes. I would just try to not make them.

limerickwaitress, this is in fact a wage and hour issue if the money you pay to correct those mistakes takes you below minimum wage. (as calculated weekly) All your employer is trying to do is to sidestep the payroll deduction and therefore not leave a trail.



I wouldn't be so sure about that. In any case, this original question was posed two months ago, so the OP must have resolved the issue one way or another.