paycheck question (employment, wages, legally)

[sowk09]

So I took a job at Educational Outfitters in late July while I was waiting to see if any full time jobs would work out. The lady asked if I could stay until the end of the 1st week in September, and I told her (exact words) that I didn't think that time frame should be a problem. That was the truth. She emailed back that I could start that Monday at $9/hr. I ended up hearing back from a job that I had interviewed for in April and they wanted me to start immediately. This was a week and a half into the retail job. I felt bad about it, but I quit with no notice because the job I was offered is a career and who would say no to that? Anyways, they sent me my paychecks in the mail and paid me at $8/hr rather than 9. I emailed her to let her know the mistake and she said that they broke their promise to me since I broke my promise to them. Can they do this? It is a $50 difference, but it's the principle of the matter. Can they dock my pay per hour because I didn't give two weeks notice? I have all of the info in writing (it was through email). Thanks!

[CHTransplant]

There's the right answer and there's the practical answer. The "right" answer is probably no, they can't do it. But over $50 bucks, can they get away with it? Probably. That's the practical reality.

[chiledog]

While I am not a lawyer, NC is a right to work state. Meaning you can quit a job at any time without notice. If the employment contract was not written saying "if you don't work until date X, your hourly rate will be $8", then they can't change your pay.

That being said, it was $50. You will probably spend much more money (and time) fighting it. Just be happy you got a good job and do not have to deal with that employer anymore.

[DPK]

It all comes down to whether you want to deal with it. $50 is not a lot to complain about, but if you're motivated enough you could go after them for it as I doubt (unless it's in the work contract you signed when you were hired) they can legally do this to you.

Sounds like a manager with some personal vendetta who is pissed that they're stuck working their job and you get to move on to better things.

[nc1987]

Do you have in writing the hourly rate you were to be paid? If so, I would call the NC Department of Labor and file a compliant. They will investigate your claim and if they find that this employer has unlawfully wiitheld your wages. They will require them to paid the wages due.

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[sowk09]

I do have it in writing. Like I said, yes it's only $50 but it's the principle. I have a good job now and the money isn't an issue, but how many people are getting screwed over by this place that $50 would feed their family? I agree that it's probably a waste of my time, money, and sanity to fight it, but I was hoping there was at least a number I could call to complain or something like that. NC1987, I tried that and they won't deal with any complaints less than $50. Gr!!! Thanks anyways, guys. I will try to quit thinking about it.

[saturnfan]

Originally Posted by sowk09

I do have it in writing. Like I said, yes it's only $50 but it's the principle. I have a good job now and the money isn't an issue, but how many people are getting screwed over by this place that $50 would feed their family? I agree that it's probably a waste of my time, money, and sanity to fight it, but I was hoping there was at least a number I could call to complain or something like that. NC1987, I tried that and they won't deal with any complaints less than $50. Gr!!! Thanks anyways, guys. I will try to quit thinking about it.

Write a demand letter telling the company you will consider a small claims suit.

Might work.

[PDXmom]

Originally Posted by sowk09

I do have it in writing. Like I said, yes it's only $50 but it's the principle. I have a good job now and the money isn't an issue, but how many people are getting screwed over by this place that $50 would feed their family? I agree that it's probably a waste of my time, money, and sanity to fight it, but I was hoping there was at least a number I could call to complain or something like that. NC1987, I tried that and they won't deal with any complaints less than $50. Gr!!! Thanks anyways, guys. I will try to quit thinking about it.

I would call one of those we on your side sort of TV news investigation shows and see if you can get air time. At the VERY least I would write a letter to the editor of the paper explaining your issue and say that you just want to give other job seekers a heads ups so they won't make the same mistake.

[lovebrentwood]

Take them to small claims court. You'll have time now.

[silverflash]

yep small claims court.