Legal Question in Employment Law in Florida
Bonus not given despite contract
I have an employment contract where a percent of salary bonus is to be given at the end of the year. This contract was signed by myself and the employer. I have been told that I would not be given my bonus. I have not been given a reason and the person telling me I would not get this bonus is not the person signing the contract. I am also aware that employee's without a contract have been given their bonuses.
Is there anything I can do to pursue this matter further without jeopardizing my job.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Bonus not given despite contract
Depending on what your contract states about the bonus, you may have a claim for either breach of contract and/or unpaid wages. It will depend in part on whether the end of year bonus is a straight forward percentage without regard to your performance, amongst other factors. However, there may be other issues surrounding this. If other employees have been given their bonuses, do you have any idea what the motivation may be behind witholding your bonus? I do not have enough information regarding your situation, but, if, for example, the reason is unlawful discrimination or retaliation, then this would be another claim that you could pursue, which could provide you protection from retaliation. Your concern about doing something without jeopardizing your job is a "tricky" one as it depends on what your expectations are. If you want to discuss this further in private either by e-mail or phone, feel free to contact me.