Can an employer change my pay?

Question

I live in Arlington, Tx. I was called by a company I had left my resume with a few months ago and offered a job with a higher rate of pay than the job I currently have. I went in to interview and was offered in writing a certain set number of hours and a set pay rate for the site. I got my pay check for the first two weeks and found my pay rate was lower than what I was offered in writing. I brought it to HR's attention and they told me they would make up the difference on my next check but that my future checks will probably be at the lower pay rate. I still have a copy of the form I signed with the promised higher pay rate. I took this job because of the higher pay. It seems less than legal for a company to promise one pay rate then once you've quit your other job yank that extra pay out from under you. Advice?

Update:

They are not deducting for anything. The rate of pay was different than what I was promised.

lcr000 · Accepted Answer

an offer letter is meaningless and does mean it is a contract, your pay can be changed for any reason as long as it is no less than minimum wage, no attorney or labor board can help you, they are making up the difference now, but have told you it will change and that is all that is required in the state of TX.

k w · Answer

Ahhhh, Texas...
Good thing you have a written "contract", that's important. Obviously what this company is doing is ethically wrong but to find out about the legal issues:
 1. contact your state Labor Board, anonymously to begin with, and ask them. Not only if it's against the law but what you can do. They should be able to help you. 
 2 if you don't get what you need from the Labor Board find an employment lawyer (I'd be sure to talk w/2 to be sure you're getting accurate info) who will give you a free consult, maybe you can do it over the phone.
Then decide what you want to do.
Now, if this cannot be handled w/o getting the Labor Board/Lawyers involved just know that (you don't say how large the company is) your working environment could change, you could have trouble with peers, promotions, etc. So, make sure whatever you do is a decision you can live with.
And, if what this company has done isn't legal I'd send letters to all the newspapers, TV and radio stations with you story then move to another state!

R G · Answer

If you signed a contract that offers a higher pay then it is illegal to not give you what they owe you. So no, a company can not do such a thing legally

Sam · Answer

I think what is happening is they are deducting the money you owe from taxes, just speak to your GM about it

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Can an employer change my pay?

4 Answers