Asked in Employment Law for New York

Q: Can my employer charge me for some favors which was done voluntarily?

I have worked for a company for 2 weeks. They only paid half of my wages but they helped me with accommodation and transportation from house to work place. We did not make any contract, I did not sign anything but working hours and pay rate were written on an application. I had to leave the country for an urgent situation. They were saying that they help me on some cases voluntarily because they need someone to work. Now, I received a message and they say they are going to send me a payroll and bills that I must pay for all the favors they have done voluntarily. They did not say anything about charging until I resign. They say If I don pay, they will sue me. Can they do something like that? I don’t want to get involved with any trouble. I can pay if I have to. Is that legal? They have a copy of my green card and SSN. I am not in the USA right now and do I have to come back if they sue me although they are not right?

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1 Lawyer Answer
V. Jonas Urba
V. Jonas Urba
Answered
  • New York, NY
  • Licensed in New York

A: Everyone in New York State is entitled to be paid no less than minimum wage for all labor which an employer permits an employee to suffer. However, an employer is also entitled to recover any loans or advances to which employer and employee agreed. Some lawyer will need to review all documentation, correspondence, and related paperwork regarding services provided and expenses incurred.

Your question should be presented to an immigration lawyer. An immigration attorney will be in a much better position to address anything which may or may not affect your immigration status.

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