Fining employees for being late?

Squishypig

I have recently found out that some of the mangagers in our restaurants (Louisiana) have been fining employees when they show up late for their shift. They equate this to a "swear jar" and think that it is OK. Personally, I do not think this is a good business practice and would like to see it done away with. I would prefer they use alternative forms of punishment: written warnings possibly leading to termination or giving them a less desirable job like washing dishes for a shift. The general manager wants a legal reason why they cannot do it but I am having a hard time finding that type of info out (apprently I lack the skills for research!). Any ideas of what the general manager can tell the mangers? Thank you so much!!!!!!!

Gillian

You might try researching "Deductions from pay" or "kickbacks" because this is really what it is, although it may not be a deduction from a paycheck. The whole premise of pay is $ for time worked and management doesn't have the right to glom onto an employees' money. I'm not a compensation expert so I don't have citations for you under the FLSA or Louisiana, but I am sure that you can find something. If you were in California, it would be a definite no-no with state regulations to support that.

Carol CA

You are on the right track. I would suggest a progessive disciplinary warning system for employees who are continually tardy. You cannot withhold pay or require employees to pay a fine for being late. Of course, if they are a 1/2 hour late, they do not need to be paid for the 1/2 hour as they were not working. But to impose a fine above that is illegal. Check your state's wage and hour laws.

Down_the_Middle

Squishypig:
Louisiana DOES have a statute prohibiting any type of deductions in pay(fines) for employees. Send me a private e-mail and I'll give you the cite number.

Squishypig

Thank you to everyone! Yes, Down the Middle, Louisiana does and I found it! I have written up a memo stating everything and the general manager will make sure that it is enforced.