The owner of my company is paying for my schooling as of now. He just told me I have to pay it back. He says hes been talking to someone about it and they told him if they pay for one employee they have to pay for all employees. We are in a plumbing service business and no one else from the business is going to be going to school but me. Im the accountant. I spoke with my CPA and she told me that is not true. Im just wondering if there is any documentation i could show him- or if anybody knew if that is legal. I wouldnt have signed up for the classes if he wouldnt have said he was going to pay for them. What do i do??
2007-09-25 09:43:06 · 8 answers · asked by ADNAMA 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
tell him to shove it and flick him off.. ;o) i love you!
2007-09-25 11:02:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have a claim based on what is called "detrimental reliance" -- you cannot be made to pay back something that you were told at the time was a gift or benefit.
As for the owner's argument that he would have to pay for everyone -- that's not true as a matter of law, but he may believe it is true -- or may just want to avoid legal problems.
The bottom line is that you would have to pay back any future education expenses -- after the point where you were told it was a loan -- but the owner cannot make you pay back for past expenses, where you were told it was a gift or benefit.
2007-09-25 16:47:16 · answer #2 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the US, employers do not have offer the same pay or benefits to everyone. Even persons doing the exact same job can receive different compensation packages. But smart bosses and smart employees do not discuss their wages and benefits with other employees.
As for whether you have to pay it back, legally I say no. You changed your position (signed up and attended school) based on his promise to pay. He is "estopped" from denying that promise now.
And since it is not illegal for him to pay it, he should pay.
But--if you refuse to pay it back, my guess is he will take it out of your check. You could then file a state wage claim and fight it out there.
Bottom line though, if you have this fight with your boss you will soon be looking for a new job. Only you can decide if it is worth the risk.
2007-09-25 16:50:46 · answer #3 · answered by raichasays 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe that either. An employer who wants/needs an employee to be better at his job or maybe a special part of that job can send that person to school if he so wishes. There is no requirement to send all employees for any classes. I think he got bad info or changed his mind about paying for you.
2007-09-25 16:50:07 · answer #4 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't pay him back. The owner of a business can choose to pay for a person's tuition if it benefits his business. He does not have to pay for anyone else's tuition, if he chooses not to.
2007-09-25 16:49:09 · answer #5 · answered by regerugged 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He sounds seedy. Anyone that goes back on their word like that cannot be trusted. His wife probably cussed him out about it or just had second thoughts on spending the money on you. If you stick with him as your employer he will end up doing things like this again.
2007-09-25 16:52:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
in most cases that would be considered a job benefit and would be required to be offered to all employees upon there request. good luck
2007-09-25 16:51:37 · answer #7 · answered by Jan Luv 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think he is misintrepreting the law.
Ask him to give you something in writing, or a reference, verifying that.
2007-09-25 16:47:25 · answer #8 · answered by ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋