Can my employer ask me to take a drop in salary without my agreement?

Answer 1

They can ask and you can say "No I do not agree"

Answer 2

Unless you have a contract with them that states that you are supposed to make so much then the employer can ask you to take a drop in salary. If you refuse then the employer could let you go. That does depend a bit on state laws. However, there is probably a reason why the employer is asking you to take a smaller wage. The employer may be going out of business or will go out of business unless the employer can reduce expenses somehow.

Answer 3

Yes, absent an employment contract that expressly states to the contrary. Your employment is at will, which means your employer can fire you for any reason or no reason at all. Within that regime is also the employer's right to change your compensation structure. You also have the right to leave at any time, so there's the trade off. However, they have to tell you about the change before you work otherwise you won't be receiving the compensation you agreed upon prior to your performance. For example, an employer can't say - I lowered your salary two weeks ago and give you a smaller paycheck. They can say, starting tomorrow you are making less per hour.

Answer 4

The law says you have a right not to take a pay cut without your agreement. If an employer does reduce your wages it could be a breach of contract and therefore unlawful.

If you continue in the job without objecting to the new terms you may be regarded as having accepted the changes. So point out your objections as soon as possible. You could leave and claim constructive dismissal.

Your employer may try to re-employ you under a new, inferior, contract with inferior terms and conditions.

If it happens, you could continue working under protest, making it clear that you consider yourself dismissed from the original contract. If you have at least one year's service you could bring claims for breach of contract or unfair dismissal at an employment tribunal.

If your employer does terminate your existing contract by giving you notice, you will have been dismissed. Again, if you have at least one year's service you can claim unfair dismissal. You must do this within three months of being dismissed.

Answer 5

He can ask but he can't just drop it wihtout your agreement. Howeve you need to ask why he asking you to take a pay cut. The company is most likely in trouble and if you don't take a pay cut it may mean redundancy for either yourself or others. Or he could offer you less offer with a pay cut to reflect that.
In England you can not drop someones wages. You can demote them, as long as you keep them on the same money. You have a contract with your employer for your pay. Any problems, if you live in UK, dig out your contract and go and talk to the CAB. They will have all the legal information available.

Answer 6

No. He cannot drop your pay or change your terms and conditions without your agreement. However, if you are doing less hours of work or some other variation in your existing terms and conditions (i.e. doing less work for the pay you were on), he may be able to.

Assuming you are not in a Union, speak with the nearest Citizens Advice Bureau for free and confidential advice. What reason does he gove for dropping it? Is business bad?

What happens if you say no, will he try and terminate your employment (you can be sacked for absolutely no reason at all withing your first year of employment).

Answer 7

Yes. Employers may make salary adjustments anytime they want.

If the employee is unhappy with it, the choice is to quit. This is usually what the employer is counting on anyway. That's the only reason to do such a thing. They figure if they make you mad enough, you will quit - and not be eligible for unemployment compensation. If they lay you off, they get hit for the benefits.

Answer 8

Yes, they can ask you too. Whether you have to is another thing. It depends what state you live in, if you are going to be doing the exact same duties and have the exact same title as you did at the higher pay rate, the size of the company, etc. Your best bet is to talk to your human resources department. If you do not have one or they are not helpful, you can usually get a free consultation with an employment lawyer to see if you have legal options.

Answer 9

It depends entirely on what your terms of employment are . Are you member of a union , school teacher , state or federal employee, saleried professional.

Essentially your employer can announce a pay rise or cut at any contract negotiation. If you are not under contract they may be able to do it with whatever notice one pay period is.

If you dont like it you would have to negotiate for yourself or quit.

You should be able to check at your State Employment Office to see what state regulations there are .

Answer 10

Unless you are in a union or a 'tenured' employee your employer can certainly ask to lower your salary, in fact, can lay you off or fire you at any time as your job is 'at will" for both. Meaning you can also quit at any time. That's assuming you earn more than minimum wage.

Answer 11

Well, if he's ASKING you, he's seeking your agreement. IF he TELLS you he's cutting your salary, you have the choice to look for another job. This assumes, of course, that you don't have a contract or a union.