Reply #43: I'm in the Midwest too... [View All]

I'm not sure where you are, but your story reminded me of a recent lawsuit.

Casey's, a company that runs a chain of convenience stores, was sued by a couple of employees
because they were not allowed to take breaks and also because the store owners forced people
to work after their shift had ended.

These employees sued Casey's and won millions.

What this company is doing to your wife is highly illegal. You are correct...employees must be
paid for hours worked. An employer can't dock pay, for frivolous reasons. That's totally illegal.

I'm not sure what the exact legal issues are---but he's basically accusing her of committing a crime--stealing.
He can't just do that without proof. She could probably sue just for that. This boss has no idea whether
or not it was her mistake. The fact that the money isn't counted before or after her shift--means that there
is no way to blame her for this. This is so outrageous. Suggesting that he's going to cut her pay to make
up for the loss, is not only illegal (violating wage and labor laws), it's totally unprovable.

This boss is also violating wage and labor laws by not allowing lunch breaks and other breaks. I'm sure
the laws vary from state to state, but it's my understanding in our state, that for every 4 hours you work,
you're supposed to get a 15 minute break. And for every 8 hours, you're supposed to get a lunch break.

Glad you are making a complaint. What this business owner is doing, is disgusting.