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answered on Jul 30, 2024
You could probably just ask. Now that you've been terminated, there's no telling how quick someone may be to respond to your inquiry, but that would be the first place to start. If you are / were a union member, you could discuss with your union representative.
Is it legal to deduct credit card processing fees from an employees paycheck without knowledge or written consent? Is it legal to make an employee cover cash till shortages without written consent?

answered on Jul 23, 2024
No, it is not legal to deduct credit card processing fees from an employee's paycheck without their knowledge or written consent. Employers must obtain explicit authorization from employees before making any such deductions. This protects the employee's right to understand and agree to... View More
I was forced to transfer to a larger site with no pay increases at the beginning of May with one days notice. The staff at the site was calling me racially charged names and had gotten into altercations with each other that included guns. All these things were reported to my supervisor. Nothing was... View More

answered on Jun 15, 2024
I'm sorry to hear about your experience. If your employer is claiming you voluntarily resigned when you did not, this could be a serious misrepresentation of your employment status. It's important to document all communications and incidents, including emails and reports you made to your... View More
"Failure to charge would result in an unreasonably high cost to the Department in this particular instance because the employees must be taken away from pending work to process the request, and expend additional time to complete regularly assigned departmental work." What are more... View More

answered on May 27, 2024
If you choose to inspect documents yourself, labor costs might still be included if the department needs to allocate staff to assist with your request. This can be due to employees being diverted from their usual tasks, causing an unreasonably high cost for the department. The time spent by... View More
If unclaimed funds remain in an FSA as the use-it-or-lose-it deadline for claim submission approaches, would a plan administrator’s failure to provide timely warning of imminent forfeiture constitute fiduciary negligence?

answered on Apr 17, 2024
The question of whether flexible spending account (FSA) plan administrators have a fiduciary duty to provide advance notice to participants about potential forfeitures of unused funds is a complex one that doesn't have a definitive answer. Here are a few key considerations:
Fiduciary... View More
I started working and I am geting all kinds of wrong info, am i allowed to work on full disabilty,and at what point will that stop me from getting it

answered on Apr 13, 2024
If you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you are allowed to work, but there are certain rules and limitations you need to be aware of to maintain your eligibility:
1. Trial Work Period (TWP): You can test your ability to work for at least nine months.... View More
I have been harrassed by my employer, confederate flags, gun clips, written up for no reason, etc.
As a black man I have many questions and need to speak to a lawyer.

answered on Apr 8, 2024
I'm so sorry you've had to endure such intimidating and harassing behavior at your workplace. Displays of Confederate flags, gun clips, and being unfairly written up create a hostile work environment, especially for a Black employee. This is unacceptable and illegal discrimination.... View More
I'm 65 and lost my job because they said I may retire and they wanted to hire someone else.

answered on Apr 4, 2024
The situation you've described may constitute age discrimination, which is illegal under federal law in the United States. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) prohibits employers from discriminating against employees who are 40 years of age or older.
Under the ADEA, it is... View More
In my last job, my boss took a online fair housing course compliance test for me without my knowledge or permission. My boss also failed this test, which I'm sure adds this to my employee record. The course was on Sexual assault which also just looks bad to fail. The company has not fired... View More

answered on Mar 7, 2024
Based on the information you've provided, your former boss's actions could potentially constitute identity theft, fraud, and/or forgery. Impersonating someone else to take a course or test on their behalf without their consent is unethical and likely illegal.
Your options include:... View More
The letter they gave them said they were considering termination because they used 5 of the sick days they gave them to use and that that they were late on multiple times. I understand being late can result in being fired but mostly everyone that works in that building comes in late every day. Not... View More

answered on Dec 27, 2023
Consider some maxims here: 1) when you're in the doghouse, it's not the time to bark. 2) pointing out the splinter in someone else's eye does not remove your own.
Your friend is obviously on someone's radar in the wrong way. Why would he or she want to remain working... View More

answered on Dec 14, 2023
The nature of employment records varies, with internal records maintained by employers for performance and conduct purposes. Employers have legitimate reasons to document situations, such as performance issues or policy violations, even if an employee quits. However, unjustified negative entries on... View More
I secured a job offer in Michigan, and the employer sent me a contract and an MOU. There's a clause requiring me to initially pay the visa fee, which will be reimbursed upon arrival. They've also connected me with someone in my country to assist with the visa process, which I need to pay... View More

answered on Jun 12, 2025
This kind of arrangement should raise some caution, even if the job offer appears legitimate on the surface. In the U.S., certain visa categories—especially work-based visas like H-1B—require the employer to cover petition fees directly. Making you pay upfront, even with a promise of... View More
I received a job offer in Michigan, and a written contract promising reimbursement for my visa expenses. The director connected me with someone to assist with the visa process, a cost I must bear upfront, with promises of reimbursement upon submitting receipts. The communication has been requested... View More

answered on Jun 12, 2025
It’s understandable that you’re feeling uncertain—something about this situation does raise red flags. While it’s not always illegal for an employer to require you to pay visa costs upfront, especially if they plan to reimburse you later, there are strict rules about transparency and... View More
I'm in Michigan and want to know if it's possible to obtain a Personal Protection Order (PPO) against a 19-year-old who has been providing alcohol and marijuana to my 14-year-old daughter for two years. Despite our efforts to keep them apart and speaking directly to her, she refuses to... View More

answered on Jun 12, 2025
Yes, in Michigan, you can file for a Personal Protection Order (PPO) against someone who is a threat to your minor child, especially when that person is contributing to dangerous or illegal behavior. Providing alcohol or marijuana to a 14-year-old, encouraging her to sneak out, and violating your... View More
I have an eye condition that requires me to wear dark safety glasses. My workplace management is discriminating against me by not honoring my disability accommodation related to this need. The discrimination is occurring at work. What should I do?

answered on Jun 12, 2025
If you’re facing discrimination due to your eye condition and the need for dark safety glasses, you have legal protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Your first step should be to communicate directly with your employer or HR department, explaining your condition and the need... View More
I reported a food contamination concern to the USDA, and I believe my employer is retaliating against me in violation of the Whistleblower Protection Act. Since my report, my employer has taken actions that I perceive as retaliatory. There are also a handful of different witnesses and one other... View More

answered on Jun 12, 2025
What you’re going through takes a lot of courage, and it’s wrong for anyone to punish you for doing the right thing. Reporting a food safety concern to the USDA is a protected action, and any retaliation that follows can be challenged under whistleblower protection laws. If your employer’s... View More
I'm filing for divorce and have hired a lawyer, but I'm struggling to pay her to get the process started. I've tried obtaining a loan, but nothing seems to be working. I've explored various options and still can't make the payment. What can I do?

answered on Jun 11, 2025
You're in a really difficult place, and it's clear you’re doing everything you can to move forward. It’s frustrating to feel ready to take that step but be held back by money. You’re not alone in this—many people face financial challenges when starting the divorce process,... View More
I was arrested for OWI in Michigan on May 8, 2025, but I haven't received a ticket or court notice yet. I have no prior DUI/OWI offenses, and there are no holds or restrictions on my driver's license or registration that I'm aware of. The police destroyed my license and issued me a... View More

answered on Jun 11, 2025
Yes, under the conditions you've described, you should still be able to buy and register a car in Michigan. Since your driver's license hasn’t been officially suspended and you're holding a paper permit issued by the police, the Secretary of State should treat you as legally... View More
I was terminated from my job on 4/30 without any previous write-ups. On 4/29, I received a warning and was accused of wage theft and slow work. On 5/1, I had complained twice about loud music at work. My employer told me they would call the police and file charges unless I paid them back. They... View More

answered on May 15, 2025
It sounds like your termination may be related to both wage theft accusations and the complaint you made about the loud music at work. Since you acknowledge the issue with punching out for lunch, it’s important to recognize that, while this could impact your wages, it doesn’t necessarily... View More
I was hired as a Regional Manager for Dollar General in November 2023. My job included building a working relationship with my co-partner on the retail side, who resisted my presence as an external hire. Despite inviting him to meetings and store visits via TEAMS to involve him in my work, he... View More

answered on May 15, 2025
To pursue a constructive discharge claim, you need to gather evidence that shows your working conditions became intolerable, forcing you to resign. This could include emails, meeting notes, or records of communication with your co-partner and boss, especially where your attempts to involve your... View More
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