Employer threatening not to pay full wage!

[spar181]

Okay this is the issue I am having.

At work we use time cards, we punch in 4 times a day, start of shift, break out, break in and end of shift. At time some of us, meaning other employees, forget to punch back in from break and just write a notation on the bottom of the card explaining why.

About a week ago the employer stated that they will no longer accept notations and will only pay for the hours that show on the time card.

For example: I start my shift at 3pm, I punch out for break at 7pm and back in at 730pm and end my shift at 1130pm which would give me 8hrs.

According to them if I forget to punch back in at 730pm and leave at 1130pm I will only get paid from 3pm to 6pm, because it does not show that I punched back in and I can't write an explanation, which would be only 3hrs of work instead of 8hrs.

Can this be done? I live in Massachusetts if that makes a difference.

I tried to explain the best way I can, but if it's to confusing I will try to explain better.

Thanks for any help!!!

No--You could consult your nearest Department of Labor office to briefly discuss the issue with them first...you may also want to ask the company to put what is happening in writing and explain to them that you may have attorneys review the situation...try speaking to a higher level of management about the issue; they may override the other managers. If none of these efforts resolves the issue, let us know.

[Bricks41]

This is not acceptable. They can enforce a disciplinary policy to promote the proper punches, but they cannot withhold wages because there was not a "punch" on a timecard. If the Department of Labor would come in to conduct an investigation because of these types of things, the employer will quickly rethink the actions. I've been through one, because of a frivilous accusation, they are not fun.

If you work from _ to _ they have to pay you unless there is evidence or documentation that you have not done so during the pay period. In my opinion, a mispunch is not a good reason, just a reason to stress the importance of correct punches.

[spar181]

Thanks for the help. I will definitely move up the chain of command and see what happens.

Again, Thanks!