Can I get fired for asking why I was not getting paid the amount that I and my boss agreed on?...?

Question

I just talked with my boss this morning. I was not getting paid that amount that we verbally agreed on (please, I know I should have gotten it in writing). I asked him a month ago, and he said I should be getting paid the amount that I expected. However, when I approached him again today, he said "No, thats not what we agreed on." Do you think he could fire me for asking this? I didn't want to make any waves, but what was I supposed to do in that situation?

Answer 1

i would say maybe he promised something he had no right to do and was shortchanged my management -- i would start looking for a better job unless you are happy there!!!

Answer 2

Well, technically, you can't be fired for asking your employer to live up to their promises, verbal or written, but should you pursue this, your boss can certainly make your life at work intolerable by nitpicking every little thing you do in an effort to build a case against you and have reason for firing you.

I would give him one more shot: I would write an email to him (thus creating a record), asking him when you should expect your agreed-upon wages (state the date these wages were discussed) to take effect. Make it very diplomatic and nonconfrontational. State that it was your understanding that these wages were to begin at the same date at your employment, and add in there somewhere the verbal discussion you had with him where he said that you should have already been paid the rate agreed upon.

Answer 3

Relax, you can be fired regardless of whether you ask. You can also tell him you will not tolerate his damned lies and refuse to work for this paltry sum. Of course, then you will be unemployed.

Actually, if you're talking a significant difference and possibly left a job paying more to work there, and you are absolutely confident that you have been lied to, you might even be able to quit and collect unemployment benefits while you look for a job with less lying. I think being tricked into accepting a position on terms that you would not have otherwise agreed to could be a satisfactory reason for quitting.

Better yet, just work for the pay you're getting while looking for other opportunities and negotiating for the pay you want.

Answer 4

No, he can't fire you for asking a question. I'm pretty sure your question has caused a tad bit of tension, but he can't fire you for that. And you're right you should have gotten it on paper, just make sure everything else you two agree on is documented. He's wrong for that, I'd be pissed off, if you like your job stay there, but if you don't like it that much, I'd quit. If he is being dishonest to you now he will probably continue to be.

Answer 5

You can't get fired for asking a question about your salary. Of course, you can be fired with no reason given. If you have problems, call the Labor Commission in your county.

Answer 6

well i think that because there is no documentation of what you had agreed on you can't get what you and your boss agreed on. i'm just saying you probably are not going to get a fair chance. anytime you talk about something such as this you should make documentation. :(

Answer 7

You can be fired for NO reason at all. So the answer is YES!

Answer 8

u can ask, if u get fired, take it to court, and yes u shoulda got it in writing. maybe his word isnt good. then dont trust him on anything else.

Answer 9

ask him again if he told you an amount then he should honor it otherwise get another job where the management has some morales

Answer 10

If he fires you, you are better off not being there.