Legal Question in Employment Law in Washington
pay cuts
Can an employer immediately impose pay cuts on salaried staff without fair warning?
Asked on 5/17/09, 3:25 pm
1 Answer from Attorneys
Susan Beecher
Susan L. Beecher, Atty at Law
Re: pay cuts
Yes, with the following restrictions:
1) The employer may not impose such cuts if contrary to a collective bargaining agreement or an individual employment contract.
2) The employer may not impose cuts retroactively. The employer must notify you of the cuts prior to your doing any work at the lower pay rate.
3) If the employer cuts your pay by 25% or more, you may resign and still qualify for unemployment.
4) The employer may not pay what would amount to less than minimum wage.
Not great news, but hope that helps.
Answered on 5/17/09, 9:38 pm