I have been working at my current job for 6 months. One day out of the week, I drive to my boss’s house instead of our office. When I originally began working, I was told that I would be reimbursed for my travel to her house. In March, however, our finance secretary told me that I am NOT supposed to be paid for this mileage, and so I was told to stop putting it on my expenses. Now, as I am awaiting my check for April expenses, I received a notice that the company is taking back the money they paid me in February — even though I was originally told that I would be getting paid for these miles. Now I am not getting paid for this month’s travel — basically, I am not going to be able to pay my car insurance because of this. Is there anything I can do to fight this, or am I just screwed because I’m a little fish in a big pond??
If I were to take action on this matter, how would I go about it?
Technically, your employer can’t deduct for their mistakes made in the past. You are kind-of right about the little fish – big pond analogy, though. You can fight it, but be prepared to receive a lot of flack from management. It’s things like this that prevent future raises & promotions. If you do want to fight it, Be very matter-of-fact about it and keep all emotion out of it. If you get the right person to listen to you, you might be able to get compensated. If it’s a large enough amount that they are deducting, you might consider legal action. Expect to be looking for a new job without a good referral from your previous employer, though.
Yes, they can.
Unless you have written instructions from the company (your boss or the HR or AP Department) allowing for these expenses in February, you have no grounds to take the decision to a higher authority. Although the company really should not have paid you in the first place…poor controls on their part…does not speak well for management in general.