Can an employer pay you lets say $7.00 an hour, then decide a few month down the road to change it to less???

Question

we were just talking about it at work, and this guy says, yes, an employer can lower your pay, if he so chooses to less than what you started at.....I say that isn't right, but he says he's right. Tried looking it up, but can't find anything related to that question....
I know somewhere someone smarter than myself is out there, and can settle this discussion!!! If you do know, could you provide a link if possible?....thanks

Answer 1

If you don't live up to my expectations as your employer, you're ddaamm straight I'm going to cut your salary ... if I keep you on. I can drop you to minimum wage legally
as long as I have a valid reason not covered by the discrimination laws, yes I can.

It's one of the easiest ways to get someone to quit I know.

Answer 2

Your coworker is correct, an employer can legally lower your pay as long as he/she is still paying you at least the minimum wage. You don't have to agree though, but if you don't, your option is to quit and look for another job - the employer can decide what he is going to pay you.

The only exception would be if you have a contract, union or otherwise, that says what you will be paid - then the employer has to honor the contract..

Answer 3

I don't really know much about this kind of thing, but I don't think an employer should be able to just lower your wages like that. But maybe it depends on where you work. At say a fast-food restaurant, I don't think they can do that; but at a small Mom-and-Pop restaurant or store, I think it's fair game.

Answer 4

Whatever the minimum wage is. Unless your a waitress or have a job that gets tips. If you are not in a job that gets tips and your boss lowers your wage lower than minimum wage, you can report him to Labor Relations. Your boss can lower wages to minimum wage. You can always quit and find a job that at least pays minimum wage.