Legal Question in Employment Law in Alabama

Re: pay deductions for damage

There is not a specific rule on this point as far as I know. Probably because the practice has never been challenged due to the low amount of wages usually involved.

However the rule is clear that you must be paid minimum wage for your work (with some very minor exceptions). Thus if you are normally paid $10/hour, and work a 40 hour week ($400), they should not take away more than $194 out of your weekly pay check. This is because minimum wage is $5.15/hour and you must thus receive at least $206/week for a 40 hour week. If they take out more than that, they have violated the law, regardless of whether you are liable for the damage to the property.

If they are taking out the whole paycheck, I'd be happy to file suit for you. Please just give me a call at 205-458-1100.

Sterling L. DeRamus, Attorney at Law

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