Employer holding back wages stating I owe him money for car damages

Thank you very much for your answer. Three months ago I was laid off for lack of work. I had had the job for 5 years with no problems. Two weeks after I was laid off the former employer called and asked me to work for three days to help him out. During that work I was required to use the employer's vehicle for work purposes. During that work a very small accident occurred with the employer's vehicle causing a few scratches to the surface of the fender. No bodily harm to anyone. The former employer is now withholding the wages from those three days stating I owe him to get his vehicle repaired. Is this true?

1 answer  |  asked Jul 26, 2003 10:41 AM [EST]  |  applies to Illinois

Answers (1)

Carol Oshana
Wages

Absolutely not. Your employer may not withhold your wages under the Wage Payment and Collection Act (or a similar Act in your state). Immediately file with the Department of Labor in your state to retrieve your wages. Your accident is not sufficient reason for your employer to withhold your pay.

posted by Carol Oshana  |  Aug 5, 2003 10:22 PM [EST]

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