Legal Question in Employment Law in Massachusetts

Pay cut on base pay

I am a employee of a wireless company which changed our position titles as of April 1st as well as our base salary and ''capped'' our commision sales. There explanation for the cap was based on a pay raise in our base salary which they are now going to cut again by $10,000 to $14,000. Is this legal? Can a company keep altering one's pay with as little as a week for notice? What are my rights?


Asked on 6/04/02, 4:27 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Barbara C. Johnson Law Office of Barbara C. Johnson

Re: Pay cut on base pay

Sounds like the company is in deep trouble. Have you considered looking for another job while you are still employed?

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Answered on 6/04/02, 4:43 pm
William McLeod McLeod Law Offices, PC

Re: Pay cut on base pay

The terms and conditions of your employment, including pay, can change at any time for any reason or no reason at all (unless it's discrimination or violation of a public policy). The company can change your pay - however, it cannot retroactively do it. In other words, the company cannot change your pay scale after you have already rendered the services. You should talk to a lawyer - and give more details about when these changes take effect.

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Answered on 6/04/02, 5:49 pm
Nance Lyons Law Office of Nance Lyons

Re: Pay cut on base pay

It is legal unless you have a written contract of employment for a specific term. However, you have been technically "fired" and should qualify for unemployment compensaton. Contact DES to confirm.

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Answered on 6/07/02, 10:03 am


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