Can my employer cut my pay like this?

Question

Ok, so I live in Illinois and in January we had a new owner take over where I work - it's just a restaurant, no tips just hourly wages. At the beginning, the new owner asked me if I would care if he moved my pay rate down $.50, and I said yes because I'd still be paid more than the other people.

However, I just noticed on my paycheck from this week that my pay rate had gone down another $.50 without notice - so that's a full $1 that my pay's gone down and I feel like it's gone into other people's payrates even though I'm most certainly one of the best workers there - I'm doing more work than other people and eating my lunch at the same time! I don't even work that often - only around 13-15 hours a week because I'm in school!

So basically my question is whether or not he can legally lower my pay without telling me, and whether or not I should try to fight this.. I only have one semester of college left and I know if I try to find another job they probably won't pay me as much as I'm getting paid where I'm at but I'm really starting to get tired of doing a lot of work then getting nothing out of it in the end. I've been there for 3.5 years now and know most everything better than some of the managers do.

Shay · Answer

Welcome to the real world.  In many businesses, it is becoming common practice to pay everyone the same wage for the same job (not based on amount of work, but based on job title).  Most likely, your new management has been trying to even out the pay scale so that all people doing what they consider to be an equal position is making the same wage.  This avoids law suits for uneven wages.  Sure, it isn't fair when someone who does half your amount of work is getting the same money as you, but that is very common in hourly paid jobs.

As for the legal aspect of it, you have a few choices.  You can go ask your manager for an explanation of the second reduction and see what is said.  You can call around your area for a lawyer who will do a free or cheap consultation to see if you have been unfairly treated.  (many lawyers will hear your complaint for free because it is a great way for them to get a possible case)  Or, you can just leave this job for a different one.

They Pelted Us With Rocks And Garbage · Answer

You're a part time employee, who is being paid more than full time employees.

No matter how good a worker you think you are, you're inconsequential. More of a pain to schedule than anything else.

You can quit and apply for unemployment.  It won't be much, but this isn't being fired for cause.  This isn't quitting, as he is changing the conditions of the job.

You can't "fight" this.  You can either quit or accept the demotion and pay cut.   You can't force him to pay you or force him to employ you.

? · Answer

You should let your boss know that you do much work for what you're getting. If nothing happens, you can either just let it go or find another job.

Read this blog for work and job hunting related tips, http://bitly.com/1omMNdz .

Johnnie · Answer

I would hang on to the job and do less work.On the other hand they are not going to tell you if all got a pay cut.Ask the boss only way to know.

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Can my employer cut my pay like this?

4 Answers