In AZ can an employer take $ out of an employees check if the employee doesn't okay it?

Question

At my job everyone has access to the cash box, that is at my desk. when i am at lunch or have left for the day, others make transactions using the cash box...$100.00 has came up missing...and at first i thought i'd take responsibility because it is at my desk but, the more i thought about it,,,i changed my mind...i dont think anyone stole the money...i think someone might of mistakenly gave the wrong change back ....i dont know, i also could of made a mistake...i cant point any fingers. well, my boss said shed take portion out my paychecks till its paid off...i disagreed and tried to say as long as everyone has access to box everyone is responsible. She got mad, and said she'd just take the whole thing out of my next check.....can she do that, legally?

Answer 1

Laws vary by state but I would say that unless you are told in advance that you are responsible for all the cash in the cash box then no she can not do that. It is as you stated, everyone has access to the box so it is equal responsibility.

I would take her to the state labor board if she takes it. I would ask myself one question though and that is "Is $100 worth my job" also if she takes the money out of you check make it clear that you do not wish to be responsible for the cash box anymore or if you keep the cash box don't let anyone have access to it.

Good luck

Answer 2

That really sucks. It probably is not legal, but seriously fighting it would probably cost more than it is worth. Unless it is a small business, and you can sue your boss personally in small claims court. That would probably cost you your job.
Do you have an HR department at your work? If so, you should talk to them about the problem. If you don't have that, use this as an opportunity to change things. You should write a letter to your boss, explain what you have explained here. If that does not work, write a letter to your boss's boss, include what happened, and your boss' response. If they still dont agree, and still insist that you pay, you should really consider how much you want or need to stay at your job. If it is very important to you, be diplomatic and agree to pay, just this ONCE. From this point on, either the cash box needs to be moved, or everyone needs to be responsible for cash shortages. If you do wind up having to pay, make sure that in exchange for that, you get it in writing that you will not be responsible for mistakes in the future. Also make sure you get a reciept for anything you do pay.
One thing to consider, you probably will need to use this boss as a reference. Try not to burn your bridges if you can. Even though you are not at fault, it would be an even bigger loss to your career, if you lost your work reference. However the confrontation goes, try to leave it peacefully. Then start looking for another job. That way, you can keep your job reference. If you try to get another job and that job calls your current boss, and your boss gives you a bad reference while you are still working for her, your new boss probably won't value that opinion very much, because it is not in your current boss' interest to give a good reference. A future boss would not believe your boss if she said, yes you work there and also, you can't be trusted with money. That doesn't make sense.
Whatever you do, put all your statements in writing, and ask for their reasoning to be put into writing. That way, if it ever does go to court, you will have documentation.
Good Luck!

Answer 3

Absolutely not. She cannot deduct one penny from your wages, unless you authorize it in writing. If she feels you are responsible for the loss, she has to sue you for it. Taking money out of an employee's paycheck to cover losses puts her in the position of being judge and jury; that is illegal. Tampering with an employee's wages is a violation of Federal law, your state is irrelevant.

Answer 4

She SAID she did, but did she?