What is the name of your state? MichiganI was hired as the Office Manager of a medical office in Sept. '04. The employment compensation that was offered to me, in writing, was to include my salary, medical benefits, profit sharing after the 1st year, 2 weeks paid vacation and 10% of any monies that were collected for dates-of-service prior to Jan. '04.
As the claims were paid, I would make a copy of the payment vouchers for these early dates-of-service. After the 1st 6 months of employment, I submitted a copy of these vouchers along with an adding machine tape showing the total amounts collected, and requested my 10%. The Dr. refused to pay me stating that he had to hire another person and that the 10% would be put toward paying her. After voicing my disagreement, he agreed that he would review the situation at a later date. I continued to collect copies of the incoming payment vouchers throughout the next 6 months.
In Oct. '05, I was dismissed from my employment. The Dr. said that he simply could not justify paying me any more, even though his revenues had shown an increase of 149% over the previous years earnings. Approximately 1 month following my dismissal, I submitted a copy of the later 6 months worth of payment vouchers, and requested the compensation for the 10% that had been agreed upon, along with compensation for my 2 weeks vacation that I had been scheduled to take in Nov. and Dec. '05, but had not yet taken.
After waiting for 3 weeks for a response to my request, I called the Dr. and asked for his response. He stated that he was "dismayed" to find out that I had taken copies of these financial documents out of the office following my dismissal and stated that I should return any such documents that I may still have. Please note that at the time of my hire, I was told to keep track of any monies coming in for the early dates, and coping the vouchers is the only was to document this information.
I have several questions regarding the above noted situation:
1. Is it advised that I return these document copies? If so, how could I
justify my request for compensation request?
2. Can I be held liable for taking these copies? Please note that no one has
seen this documentation except for the Dr. and myself.
3. If I do return the documents, should I have a witness with me at the time
of return, and should I have him sign something showing receipt?
4. Am I justified in requesting compensation for my unused vacation time?
5. What would you advise if he still refuses to pay? Please note that the
amount of compensation is $2849 for the 10% and $2166 for the unused
vacation.
Please advise.