Can my old job make me return a prize before giving me my final check
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Can my old job make me return a prize before giving me my final check
My old job wont give me my paycheck because
they said i have to return a prize that i had
won at a christmas party
Asked on January 31, 2019 under Employment Labor Law, Utah
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
As a general matter, the law is clear that employee paychecks may not be withheld without employee consent. Employees whose checks are improperly withheld may sue for them (e.g. in small claims court). So the issue is whether that contract you mention constitutes your consent to have the check withheld unless you return the prize. If it can be shown that you signed the contract and that it states something to the effect that your check may be withheld until and unless you return the prize, they may withhold the check until you do.
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