andan61172
Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? West Virginia
I have a strange question or set of questions. I accepted a position in October 2010 with a rehabilitation services provider. I was offered a sign-on bonus and was given a written offer letter. In the written offer letter it states that the "position in non-exemp standard 40 hour per week position". I know this means if I work over 40 hours, they are required to pay me overtime, etc. In my sign-on bonus agreement it states that by accepting the sign-on bonus, "I am reconfirming my agreement to the terms outlined in my employement offer letter". The company is now cutting hours from the 40 hours when I was hired, to in February, 2011, only allowing 35 hours per week, and have at times cut hours beneath that due to Patient care hours being lower. I have been offered a position with another health care providor at the same pay with a definite 40 hours per week, and when I spoke with my current employer about it, she told me I would have to pay back the sign-on bonus as I have not been employed for the two years agreed to.
My question is, since the sign-on bonus agreement (although not being an employment contract) refers back to the offer letter that states 40 hours per week, since they have cut hours, would they not have breeched the agreement themselves, basically nullifying the sign-on bonus agreement?
I have considered checking with an Attorney, but really can't afford to pay the attorney's fees.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
I have a strange question or set of questions. I accepted a position in October 2010 with a rehabilitation services provider. I was offered a sign-on bonus and was given a written offer letter. In the written offer letter it states that the "position in non-exemp standard 40 hour per week position". I know this means if I work over 40 hours, they are required to pay me overtime, etc. In my sign-on bonus agreement it states that by accepting the sign-on bonus, "I am reconfirming my agreement to the terms outlined in my employement offer letter". The company is now cutting hours from the 40 hours when I was hired, to in February, 2011, only allowing 35 hours per week, and have at times cut hours beneath that due to Patient care hours being lower. I have been offered a position with another health care providor at the same pay with a definite 40 hours per week, and when I spoke with my current employer about it, she told me I would have to pay back the sign-on bonus as I have not been employed for the two years agreed to.
My question is, since the sign-on bonus agreement (although not being an employment contract) refers back to the offer letter that states 40 hours per week, since they have cut hours, would they not have breeched the agreement themselves, basically nullifying the sign-on bonus agreement?
I have considered checking with an Attorney, but really can't afford to pay the attorney's fees.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.