Can my employer dock my pay for a personal debt between my boss and I?
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Can my employer dock my pay for a personal debt between my boss and I?
I owe my boss long time friend about $800. The debt occurred before I was employed with
him. I’ve been paying him back every paycheck about $200. Recently when I received my check I saw a $200
Asked on August 26, 2016 under Employment Labor Law, Arizona
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
No, it is not legal. An employer may not dock pay for money owed the employer unless the employee agrees to let the employer do that. (More generally: an employer may never deduct from a paycheck for any reason except when the employee consents to the deduction, or when required by law, like court-ordered wage garnishment.) If the employer docks pay without consent, you could file a complaint with the state department of labor, and/or sue (such as in small claims court) for the money.
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