Can an employer cut your hourly from $17 to $8 + commission just because they want to?

Question

Working as a manager in a new mall shop, got hired to open new store 6 days ago. Owners decide to start a commission with $8 hourly after our agreement was $17 hourly for me after 6 days. Hired sales staff at $15 an hour; they also cut to $8 plus lower commission than me. Is this legal? Commission amounts based on very high sales, so very hard to make the $17 an hour. That is why I left other job for this advance; would never have taken job at this pay scale. What are the legal recourses. Feel like I've been lied to.

Answer 1

Legal, yes! Moral, maybe not. Unless you have a written contract that stipulates a time frame without either party able to change it you are pretty much shafted. Verbal contracts in business are sometimes defendable but you could always get pay in writing before you accept the job. Also you should always read close to make sure there is not a clause that allows the ownership to change pay methods without redoing the contract.

unfortunately, you probably do not have any recourse but, you may want to consult an employment law lawyer just to be sure. You can always start looking for another job. The problem in sales is that almost every job is based on commission because the employer knows this is the easiest way to motivate salespeople into driving profits higher.

Answer 2

Depends

If you reside in a state that allows employers to do such things YES... however if you reside in a state that has laws restricting employers in certain areas possibly NO

what you need to do is check out your state laws concerning employers. You may have some ground to stand on OR you may not. However I'm going to be honest with you. I highly doubt the employer would pull a stunt like this unless it was legal.

But that shouldn't stop you from investigating it further. There may be means to take legal action in an area that you would not have thought possible until you understand the laws.

Hit the books! Its extremely important to know your rights as an employee in the state which you reside. Read over all the contracts youve signed with your employer make certain this bold move wasnt insinuated by him/her. If not seek an attorney they will give you the cold hard facts on where you stand.

Answer 3

Yes, it is legal unless you signed an employment contract specifying your rate of pay.

Although you didn't say, I imagine that you were paid the $17 an hour up until this change, and that it happened, or will happen, on a particular date or perhaps immediately.

I think the business owner is trying to get his employees to perform rather than just wait for customers.

Answer 4

it relatively is dickish, yet criminal. (observe that maximum criminal issues fall in that class?) they could relatively decrease your pay each and every of ways all the way down to minimum salary, without observe, and nevertheless be criminal. it relatively is as much as you regardless of if or to no longer settle for it. in case you choose for to no longer settle for it, you're entitled to quit and nevertheless assemble Unemployment reward. the business employer replaced the words of your employment without your settlement, and so your leaving isn't seen voluntary. yet you apart from could weren't terminated for reason. It fits the comparable suitable situations as a lay-off. yet you need to ask your self, because of the fact the optimum unemployment benefit consistent with month is particularly miniscule, is quitting nicely worth it? individually, i've got faith pity for a business employer with so little integrity (balls) that they do no longer even communicate the alternative with the worker first. As i'm thinking approximately it, i do no longer understand employment regulation in each and every state, so my previous comments are based upon customary concept and adventure. CA could (or would possibly no longer) legislate worker protections on your subject.

Answer 5

check to see if you have a signed contract or just a verbal.
hard to enforce a verbal contract.
if you are employed at-will with no labor union usually the employer can do this whenever they want--change your compensation and your option is to get a different job.
it's hard to get lying to be viewed as a crime.