DuctTapeJedi said:
So, I recently quit my job, not under the best of circumstances. They were verbally abusive, and I couldn't take it anymore. Now they're holding on to my last two paychecks. They're requiring me to send in copies of some paperwork I don't even remember from a long time ago before they mail me my checks.
Is this legit? It doesn't seem like this should be an okay thing to do.
I would need to know more about the situation, what they are asking for and where you live, as well as what wavers you signed as part of your contract of employment. As a general rule no what they are doing wouldnt be legal in many places, but that comes with a few but's:
If you signed paperwork that allowed them to make deductions from your pay, and in that paperwork they set out that you will forfeit pay if you leave without notice then you won't have a leg to stand on.
What paperwork are they asking for? If it was paperwork they can credibly claim is meaningful and if it's paperwork that remains the property of, or reverts to being property of your employer upon the termination of your contract, or if you were notified that you would be required to retain it, then that could change things.
Also find out how your pay was calculated. Was the pay for the month worked? Were you paid as an annualised average wage each month? If your pay was paid in arrears, which if they are holding two paychecks it sounds like it might be, what was the contractual guarantee of when payment would be made?
Sorry to be asking complicated questions but i know from experience payroll disputes are never black and white. Finally I would advise you to get some advice on employment law where you live, any laws in place governing payment of wages will superceed any policy or procedure your had had in place (with the exception of certain employee opt-outs and wavers in some teritories).
