Trying to remain calm . . .

[cinlee3]

I have a part-time job and I just got a call from a co-worker. She said I hope you weren't planning on picking up your check today. The owner had put a note on everyone's check asking them to please not cash it until Thursday.

Hello - payday is today and it's Christmas for gosh sakes!!!. She said it was a difficult month for her this month.


Okay - last pay period she "misplaced" my check and to top it off the same week my DH's check from his former employer bounced!!!!

I ran a small business for 7 years and I always paid employees first. My dad has had a business for 15 years and has been on the brink of bankruptcy due to illness but he never, ever was late paying an employee.

Now granted my check isn't that much, but it's the principle.

 

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

It is the principle and the money.

It's time to consider finding a new job.

 

[Ricola]

I know how you feel. I have worked in and owned small businesses for 17 years. Paying your people on time comes first.

I hope things improve. I would be looking for another job if something like that happened to me.

 

[nativetxn]

I think I would be looking for another job. This one doesn't sound too secure

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Is that legal? Can an employer withhold an employee's pay on the day that it is due?

 

[p-nut]

I would look for another job. I worked for a small company and had my payroll check bounce. I did not work for them long after that. They ended up selling the company shortly after I left.

 

[nuke]

I hope everything works out for you.

 

[cinlee3]

I was already planning on looking for another job after the first of the year. I have worked here for a little over 3 years and the business was sold in September.

The new owner has no clue how to run a business. She obviously didn't have the money to invest in a business.

And to think I was going to ask what I should get her for a Christmas gift

 

[Toby'sFriend]

No it's not legal and yes you need a different job. Not being able to make payroll is a serious sign that the business is failing.

Also, you need to verify that any and all Payroll withholdings (taxes, 401k, Health Insurance etc) have been sent to the appropriate government agency and/or vendors.

BTW - I wouldn't hold the check. I would cash it ASAP and hope that it doesn't bounce. You want to get your money before anybody and everybody else sucks that checking account dry.

 

[Boots]

I too think I would look for another job! {{{{HUGS}}}}

 

[Snow White]

Wow, thats a bad deal! I'd be calling the bank to see if it would clear today, and if it will, run there and cash it!!!!!

 

[Kermit]

I used to work for a lady who did that. It drove me nuts.

When you do cash your check, cash it at the bank from which it was issued (if it's not a regular payroll check). That way, if there is money in the account, you'll get it right away. If you deposit it at your bank, there's more time for the boss to spend the money in the account, and you could be charged a penalty if it bounces.

What she's doing is not legal. You can report her for doing it. We came very close to doing that at my job, but we gave her about a week and finally got paid. After that enough people quit that she didn't run out money any more.

 

[Serena]

Kermit is right, cash it at the bank it was issued. You do have a better chance of getting your money. Goodluck.