Unauthorized Payroll Deduction

[fladad]

What is the name of your state? Florida

A co-worker of mine, (time clock puncher) needed to move a boat at work. He used the equipment necessary to move the boat. It had just rained and the 4 wheeler started spinning on the wet pavement causing him to loose control of the boat and they both slid and hit another employees vehicle which was parked where it normally is. Vehicle was not parked where the employee manual states employees need to park. Is it correct for the employeer to deduct money to fix repair (insurance deductable) since it was an accident that occured during work time? How do you go about disputing the claim if it is not correct? Thanks

 

[pattytx]

Unfortunately, Florida has very few labor laws of it's own, and this is just another example of "there is no law specifically prohibiting" this action. Neither does federal law, except that the gross pay less the amount of the deduction cannot result in the employee getting paid less than the federal minimum wage (which is lower than Florida's) for that pay period.

Until such time as they actually deduct for this, it's not an issue. If they follow through, the only possible recourse would be for him to file in (probably) small claims court, re: a violation of public policy. Whether he would prevail or not, however, is not an opinion I'd like to give.