Wage Claims

questions & answers

Question: My employer makes us waitresses pay three dollars per day in cash to him for a portion of the carpet cleaning he pays for. Is that legal?

Answer: In Arizona, an employer may deduct wages from an employee’s paycheck (and the type of fee you are being charged is in essence a deduction) only with written consent by the employee for the following: cash shortages breakage, damage, or loss of the employer’s property dishonored or returned checks In accordance with federal law, an employer may not make deductions from an employees paycheck if it would cause the employee to earn less than federal minimum wage, including deductions for uniforms, tools, or other items necessary for employment with the employer. The main takeaway is that if the "fee" is really a deduction of wages and may only be done with written consent.