Home > Legal > Research Legal Advice > Employment / Labor > Employee #1 returns. Employee #2’s hourly wages are reduced back to old ...
-
Sign in with:
- Sign in
- Register
- Are you a Lawyer?
Employee #1 returns. Employee #2’s hourly wages are reduced back to old wage. Is this fair and legal?
Asked over 2 years ago - Seattle, WA
Employee #1 goes on medical leave for nearly 3 months. Employee #2 is trained and assumes new role and receives raise (with no title change) as compensation. Employee #1 returns. Employee #2’s hourly wages are reduced back to old wage. Is this fair and legal? The compensation was not a bonus. It was in fact a raise of 4.6%.
Additional information
The agency is significantly funded by the NIH, a federal sponsor (not sure if this matters).
The agency is significantly funded by the NIH, a federal sponsor (not sure if this matters).
Attorney answers (2)
I write to confirm the previous attorney's response, as I AM licensed in Washington. We are an at-will state, so unless Employee #2 has a contract, either individual to him or her or a collective bargaining agreement, or unless he or she works for a government agency, the action is legal,even if unfair.
Assuming you're an at-will employee, they can reduce your wage. Your remedy is to find a new job. It's not fair. But fair isn't the issue. What they did is not unlawful, unless you have a written contract for a term at the new wage. You don't report one, so I assume you don't have one.
Not legal advice as I don't hold Washington licensure. It's simply my analysis of the facts you provide in light of general principles of law which is intended to educate. If you need legal advice, please consult a lawyer who holds Washington licensure.
Good luck.
Not legal advice as I don't hold Washington licensure. It's simply my analysis of the facts you provide in light of general principles of law which is intended to educate. If you need legal advice, please consult a lawyer who holds Washington licensure.
Good luck.
