Mutual Release contract

[Dopey]

I quit my job last month, and my employer has not yet settled my final paycheck. I worked 3 weeks in July and he says he needs to make adjustments against used-up vacation etc. Hence he did not process payroll for me along with the other employees...i.e. on Jul 31st.

Now he says he wants me to sign a mutual release contract before he can send my final check. The mutual release contract contains a clause that says that I cannot go and work for any competing organization. However, there was no such requirement either at the time of joining the organization or during promotions while I was working at the company. My ex-employer's claim is that if I do not sign the contract he will not release the payment.

Is he legally correct in holding back my pay conditionally?

[cbg]

No, he is not. You can file a complaint for unpaid wages with the Texas Workforce Commission.