Paycheck Lost in Mail

[yemango]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Oregon

I am a 1099 worker (independent contractor) for a small doctors office. The office has been inconsistent over the last 3.5 years with how we receive checks – for about 3 years they were left at the office on the same date every month and we had to pick them up. 2-3 months ago they started just mailing checks to our homes. This month, my check never arrived. The other workers received their checks, and I have reason to suspect someone stole my mail (other pertinent mail was missing). I told the office this information, and they told me that they would stop the check. They told me they will have to go through extra measures to insure their account is not in jeopardy, and they claim the cost of these 2 actions is more than the amount of the check ($60). They also said it would cost even more money to issue another check – but that they would not issue another check anyway because they are holding me accountable for the fees.



Is this my employers legal right to hold me accountable for these fees and not issue me my wages? Are there any rules laws against this sort of thing?

[Zigner]

If you are truly an IC, then they are not your "employer".
Sue the bad people in small claims court for the $60 you are owed.