reyia
06-25-2007, 06:53 PM
I work in a daycare in NJ. Every payperiod I get tuition deducted from my paycheck. Problem is, I gave a months notice, but left 4 days early. Now my boss says I owe for that last week of chilcare, and won't give me my last 2 paychecks until I pay the final balance. (they're withholding 2 because the last paycheck isn't enough to cover the final tuition payment). Can they do this? They also threatened to deduct more from my 2nd to last paycheck to cover the childcare cost.
turbowray
06-25-2007, 08:29 PM
I work in a daycare in NJ. Every payperiod I get tuition deducted from my paycheck. Problem is, I gave a months notice, but left 4 days early. Now my boss says I owe for that last week of chilcare, and won't give me my last 2 paychecks until I pay the final balance. (they're withholding 2 because the last paycheck isn't enough to cover the final tuition payment). Can they do this? They also threatened to deduct more from my 2nd to last paycheck to cover the childcare cost.
I am not sure if you signed a contract stating what they could withhold from your check, but in the past I have heard, that they can not withhold anything other than things like insurance premiums, state and federal taxes, garnishments, etc, and to get the money you owe them, they should take you to court, but still give you your checks. Contact your states Department of Labor, and let them know they are withholding your check. If they are not supposed to do so, they will make your company give you your check! Please wait for an answer by cbg, or PattyMD, or EllieMD, they know alot more about this than I do.
Pattymd
06-26-2007, 05:31 AM
New Jersey is very strict about what can be deducted from paychecks, authorized or not.
Q. Are employers allowed to deduct for shortages or breakage?
A. No. Nothing can be deducted from an employee’s wages other than those items required and/or specifically permitted by federal law and/or state law.
(bolding mine)
And no, they cannot hold your paychecks for any reason.
. What do I do if my employer did not pay me all the money I am owed?
A. You can file a Wage Complaint form (MW-31A) for monies due. Click here to obtain a copy of this form or contact the Division of Wage and Hour Compliance at (609) 292-2305. Once completed the form should be mailed to the address listed at the top of the form.
http://www.state.nj.us/labor/lsse/lsgenfaq.html
