Legal Question in Employment Law in North Carolina

I have been working for watsons flooring for about a month and a half now. I was told that a carpet was found with cigaret burns and was forced to pay it without them even giving me notice they took out the money from my check. I dont even smoke never have never will. And now they are accusing me of stealing from one of their stores lowes. And they have fired me without showing me proof what so ever and are holding my check. Can anyone tell me if i have a case or not? And what should i do? They are saying that they would take the amount of what was stolen out of my check to pay for it and that they would give me the rest. But that i still would be fired. What can i do? Please help. I have never stolen anything in my life and i wouldnt sacrifice my job for that pays me 4,000.00 dollars a month for an item that according to them cost 200 0r 300 dollars.


Asked on 11/30/11, 8:44 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Geneva Yourse Cauley Pridgen, PA

Unfortunately, you can be fired for any legal reason in North Carolina. Being falsely accused is not an illegal reason.

However, your employer is not allowed to take money out of your check without your prior consent. You are able to place a complaint with the NC Department of Labor to get the money back that they withheld and stop them from taking money out of the current check. Call the NC Department of Labor at 1800-NC LABOR.

If you actually lose your job and file for unemployment, you seem to be eligible for those benefits. If you do not receive them or if your employer appeals the decision, you should call an attorney to get your unemployment benefits.

Read more
Answered on 11/30/11, 9:07 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Labor and Employment Law questions and answers in North Carolina