Can an employer hold money out of an employee’s check for the amount owed by a customer?
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Can an employer hold money out of an employee’s check for the amount owed by a customer?
My brother-in-law works for a company as a salesman on salary, as well as doing several other jobs while at work. One of his customers owes a past due amount. Can his employer hold that money out of my brother-in-law’s check?
Asked on November 29, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, Missouri
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
You did not give much by way of details as to this situation. What I can tell you is that MO does not have any laws regarding what deductions may or may not be taken from an employees paycheck (or whether an employee must provide written consent prior to any deduction being made). Accordingly, an employer can withhold or deduct wages from an employees pay check for:
- dishonored or returned checks
- cash shortages
- breakage, damage, or loss of employer property
- required tools/uniforms
- other items necessary for employment
All of the above presumes that such a deduction was not prohibited by existing company policy or violate any term or condition of an employment contract or union agreement. Nor can your brother-in-law's treatment be the result of actionable discrimination.
If there are any further questions, he can consult directly with an employment law attorney in his area.
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