Can my employer withhold some of my pay if I do not redo some of my paperwork (which I don't get paid for)?

Question

I work with clients (children with disabilties). I only get paid for the time I spend with clients, not for traveling or doing any paperwork.

About a week ago my employer asked me to redo 6 weeks worth of my paperwork, which I do not get paid for. I followed the directions that I was given, but my supervisor wants me to rewrite everything with some little changes (which were not in my original directions).

I have since given them my 2 weeks notice of leaving, although I may end up leaving earlier.

I do not want to waste about two hours redoing all my work because my supervisor did not give me any samples or her complete directions.

Can my employer withhold some of my pay if I do not redo my paperwork?
Can I be penalized for leaving early (tomorrow), even though my 2 weeks notice isn't up until next week?

I don't plan on ever listing this job on a resume because I held it for less than two months and because I do not trust that they would give me a good reference.

According to my supervisor, having properly completed paperwork is part of the job description...

Answer 1

I don't know if they can withhold your pay, but if it was considered "contract" labor, it may be required for them to pay you. Be prepared for this.

As to being penalized for leaving early. While you do not plan on listing this job, keep in mind that employers do talk about "bad" employees -- especially when they are angry. While it may not hurt you, you may be hurt inadvertently.

Imagine this conversation:

Your potential boss "Thanks for lunch Bob, I have to run -- I have an interview. I hope Jane Doe works out better than the last gal"
Your current boss, Bob" Jane Doe? We just had a Jane Doe quit on us. Good riddance I say -- couldn't complete her paperwork and didn't even have the courtesy to work out her notice. Hope it's a different Jane Doe"

You can imagine that the future employer may check up on you, and find out that you WERE working there.

No matter how difficult or unrewarding a job is, it is always best to work out any notice you give. You never know when it will come back on you.

Also, if you worked through a public agency, they may have a requirement to report you back to city or state offices -- which may have your information even if you weren't aware of it so those positions may now be not open to you.

Answer 2

You should be paid for the time you worked there, so if you leave tomorrow, you should still be paid for today and earlier this week.

Not being paid travel time sucks - most employers allow for travel time. And paperwork IS part of the job. You have to be paid for doing the paperwork.

Answer 3

Being a non profit, they are dependent on grants and tax dollars for their revenue., And auditors from the state or county can be real picky. If your paperwork wasn't done properly, it could cost him a lot of money, and I mean, A LOT.
He needs to have correct paper work, and the only way he sees he will get it is to hold it until you re-do your paperwork.
Could this be a reason this job only lasted a short time?
Want your check? Re do the paperwork, otherwise it could be a long, long time until you see your check.

Answer 4

if you don't get paid for doing paperwork, I don't see how they can legally withhold any of your pay

Answer 5

i dont think so. technically you have done your job and therefore should be paid for it. if your boss isn't happy with your performance they can fire you, but not with hold your pay.