No, if you are working during those "break times," then you should be paid for those hours worked. That type of deduction, if you're still working, is wage theft and illegal in SC.

You can apply for unemployment benefits, but the amount you might receive is based on your income in the months leading to your termination. Also, if you were fired for cause, then you won't receive any benefits.

You may have a claim for FMLA retaliation. You should speak with an employment attorney in more detail to determine your legal options.

Unfair pay can be negotiated to a more fair salary amount, but there's no legal claim for it. The only exception is for cases where you have been misclassified as exempt from overtime pay but you are, in fact, working overtime hours without getting paid overtime (in other words, you might be... View More

Generally, when you injure yourself while working, you are entitled to 66% of your average weekly wages if you miss more than 7 days. The insurance company is also responsible for directing and payment of your causally-related medical treatment. If you had to go to the ER immediately after given... View More

South Carolina law does not require an employer to offer funeral leave; however some employers do offer it as a benefit. Check your employee handbook. Otherwise, you'll just have to request it off and see what the employer does.

If the unethical conduct violates the law, then you can report such conduct to the appropriate authorities. It depends greatly on the exact facts of your case as to whether you would be protected from retaliation if you report the misconduct. You should seek counsel with an experienced employment... View More

Not necessarily. If you are leaving, leave. He can try suing you but you were doing his business. Ask to see the estimates first--make copies. If he tries to sue you you have a defense. Was the bumper deformed?

The answer depends very much on the exact language of the non-compete. SC law requires that a non-compete be limited reasonably in time (three years or less, generally) and reasonably in geographic scope, among other requirements. If you serviced customers all over the US, then the agreement MAY... View More

No, level of education is not a protected category. However, if the company promised to provide tuition assistance but then went back on its promise, then it may be a breach of contract claim that you have. Of course, details matter and a consult with an employment lawyer would be required.

If you have not been paid for all hours that you worked, then you can contact the SC Labor, Licensing and Regulation to file a complaint. You can also bring a lawsuit in small claims court (magistrate's court) for the unpaid wages.

No, retaliation is only when YOU make a legally protected complaint (of discrimination, for example) and then the employer fires you or takes other adverse employment action against you.

With less than 4 employees in South Carolina, you are not legally required to have workers' compensation insurance. However, as a sub-contractor, the general contractor on jobs you are contracted to do might require you to carry workers' comp coverage. Also, you might want to consider... View More

You can say no, but your employer would have every right to fire you for insubordination. SC is an at-will employment state, so unless the decision to send employees home is motivated by race, age, disability, sex, or other protected reason, the employer can send people home early.

The answer would depend on the specific language of the addendum and policy. You should take both to an employment attorney for a consult.

If you are getting paid $2.13 an hour plus tips, then you are entitled to your tips, unless some of those tips are subject to a valid tip pool arrangement. If you are paid at at least $7.25 an hour, then the law is a little unclear on whether or not you are entitled to keep those tips. Speak with a... View More

Not unless the bullying was based on your age, race, sex, disability, national origin, or religion. Regular bullying is not necessarily against the law.

If the police charged you with a crime, the employer is legally allowed to fire you. SC is an at-will employment state, and unless the termination is based on discrimination on the basis of age, race, disability, sex, religion, or national origin, then you don't have a basis to sue your employer.