Ifmy manager approved me to work, can the owner refuse to pay me because he did not approve it himself?
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Ifmy manager approved me to work, can the owner refuse to pay me because he did not approve it himself?
I worked 16 hours that my owner refuses to pay me for claiming that he did not aprove the ours. Never before did I need the owner’s approval.
Asked on November 30, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, California
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
The only situation under which an employer could possibly lawfully do this would be if you had notice in advance that work or hours had to be approved by the owner before you could do the work. With prior notice, the owner may be able to refuse to pay if you had not obtained that notice; without prior notice, you must be paid--though if you do not have an employment contract, the owner is free to fire you if (s)he wants, since without a contract, you are an "employee at will."
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