Can an employer cut a salaried employee pay without notice?

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Can an employer cut a salaried employee pay without notice?

I worked for current employer for 11 years with only 1 raise; I was salaried with commissions. I was harassed over years when asking to use vacation time, have used maybe 4 weeks in 11 years last month tried to talk to employer over need for raise. He was very upset. Wiped out all vacation time, and cut salary to about 1/5 the amount without notice. Can get nothing in writing in regards to policy, plans, nothing. He just randomly decides.

Asked on September 21, 2017 under Employment Labor Law, Illinois

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 6 years ago | Contributor

Do you have an employment contract (or union agreement) that gives you protection under the circumstances? If not, then you are an "at will" worker. This means that your company can set the conditions of employment much at is sees fit (absent some form of actionable discrimination). This includes what to pay a worker and when to reduce their wages. Additionally, vacation is not legally required so to the extent that it is provided, an employer has a great deal of say over when it is offered or taken away from a worker. 


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