Legal Question in Business Law in Massachusetts

Tuition reimbursement Employment

I was recruited at a college job fair to work for a large Bank. The recruiter stated they offer 100% tuition reimbursement up to $6000 after 3 months employment. I was hired and at orientation they provided in writing the tuition reimbursement after 3 months of hire. After 3 months I summitted all paperwork, and passed with all A's. My tuition bill is $5800. The department manager says he will not pay for my tuition because ''He made his budget before I was hired and doesnt't have the money to reimburse me. Other people in the Bank are getting reimbursed.

Is this fair.

Signed,

Robbed from the Bank


Asked on 11/15/08, 7:50 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

David Green Law Offices of Christopher F. Earley

Re: Tuition reimbursement Employment

Yes, it is illegal. I would be happy to speak to you regarding this matter.

Read more
Answered on 11/15/08, 8:49 pm
Lawrence Graves Coolidge & Graves PLLC

Re: Tuition reimbursement Employment

You should handle this with some discretion unless you have a replacement job in hand and don't care about losing the one that you have. By your description (and I would want to see the written policy before giving a firm opinion), you have a valid claim for reimbursement of your tuition. If you can quietly and calmly let your manager know that you will have to talk to others in management about fixing the problem, it is good practice to do so (and offer him the opportunity to correct his error) before going over his head to other levels of management. Failing to observe this corporate etiquette is likely to result in your manager taking the issue personally and thus making your ultimate termination a crusade -- then you are left without a job in a down economy, trying to make a claim for wrongful termination....

Best wishes,

LDWG

Read more
Answered on 11/16/08, 6:09 am

Re: Tuition reimbursement Employment

It is not only unfair, it is illegal if it is part of the employment benefits offered by the company. It is not a matter of choice by the manager. The company is obligated to pay it. You should talk to someone in HR about how to deal with the problem.

He is worried about exceeding his budget, but that is not your problem. However, if you go this route, he may try to have you dismissed or make your life difficult. Both those actions are illegal.

Good Luck.

Read more
Answered on 11/15/08, 8:02 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Business Law questions and answers in Massachusetts