OK I asked a question about my employer that alot of you asked for more detail on so here is more facts......

Question

I received a note with my paycheck saying "Due to escalating food prices each employee will be charged $1.50 per meal per shift worked.This charge will be deducted from each payroll check based on the number of shifts worked.I don't eat meals there and therefore I don't feel I should pay for them either. We do not have an employee handbook and the kichen manager said this will be done even if we do not eat anything. Our previous policy was employee meals with a few exceptions to the menu will be free. Can an employer just decide on what they want to take out of a person's paycheck with out their consent like this? They have also threatened to deduct other charges from our paychecks like if we get caught using our cell phones, making innocent mistakes on food preperation etc...

Answer 1

Sounds like you work for Nazis....
Check with your state government to see if they can do this legally. Personally, I don't think so, but I'd check with the government. If they can, I would look for a new job. The next thing you know they will be taxing you for the air you breathe...

Answer 2

If an employer provides a standard benefit like meals or uniform cleaning or whatever , then they can charge a fee for that , as long as all employees are charged the same.
If you can get a meal , you should eat it as food anywhere else will cost a lot more than a $1.50 anyway.
Most states do not allow for charges for mistakes or breakage , but you could be terminated . Especially if you are "on the clock" / they are paying you to work and instead you are talking on the phone. That is grounds for firing .
You have to decide . if you want the job - accept the $1.50 meal charge or you can resign and look for another job.

Answer 3

I don't know if legally they can do this - especially if you're chosing not to eat the food. Seems like they'd just go to a "pay as you go" type system where if you decided you wanted to eat something they'd charge you a reduced price for it. They way it sounds they're acting as if this is a benefit of work, and if so it should be in the handbook. I know that employers can charge for benefits, but not sure if food is one of those items. Worth looking into with your state's labor board.

Answer 4

Sounds like a bad deal all around - you should check with a labor lawyer and if you belong to a union your steward. In your place I would try to find employment elsewhere this "boss" is losing money so he is charging you to recoup-if he is loosing that badly the business may be in danger of closing. Good Luck!

Answer 5

Do you work in the United States?

First of all, document every incident you can. Who said what, when they said it, what they said. Keep a copy of any correspondence, memos, anything they have written down.

Contact the appropriate State and Federal Agencies that deal with Labor.

Get a lawyer.

Answer 6

don't state the working hours you want, see if you get an interview first. because if you do then they will offer you some hours that you can then accept/reject/ask to change. don't write to "employer", write it to "the management of blah blah hotel" instead of putting "fun and bubbly" put something more professional like " outgoing and friendly " id suggest those changes, but the rest seems ok (y) x

Answer 7

I'd check with the Labor Board to make sure this was legal. Good luck!

Answer 8

Yes the employer can modify their deducations without informing the employee or asking their permission.

Answer 9

Every state has a labor department. I would call your labor department and ask them but it seems to me that they can't deduct money for something you don't use.