What can I do if I feel that my employer is about to terminate me because he owes me a large amount of money?
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What can I do if I feel that my employer is about to terminate me because he owes me a large amount of money?
I feel he will offer to pay a portion of what he owes me and have me sign something saying I accept his offer and seek no further compensation. He has withheld this money for several months which has put me in a financial bind. My problem is I need to get paid so I can pay my bills. If I sign something could I claim I signed it under duress and pursue the rest of my money?
Asked on January 21, 2016 under Employment Labor Law, Georgia
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
If you sign something, it's not "duress" unless there is literally a knife, a gun, etc. at your throat. Signing something because you're under pressure or in a bad place financially is not "duress" in the eyes of the law--after all, that's why *everyone* agrees to settle cases, for example--because they need the money and can't wait for it.
If you don't have an employment contract, you can be fired at any time, for any reason, so he can fire you if he likes. If you owes you money, you may sue him for it--that's your right. Or if he owes you because he hasn't paid you wages, you could also contact the department of labor to file a wage and hour complaint.
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