Over the past few weeks, we have posted several articles about the importance of reading your payslip to make sure that you know exactly what you are being promised and what actions can be taken when it doesn’t look right. However, sometimes there are discrepancies between payslips and payments.
Double Payment – Double Trouble
Andrew* was given his payslip in October and noted that the payment was to be made on the 15th. On the 16th, the school realized that they had accidentally made a double payment to several employees. They sent out an email to inform everyone that a double payment was made into their accounts and they were requested to send back the mistaken half at the expense of the school. Being October at a school focused on children’s education, he was busy with Halloween events and he wasn’t able to do so in a timely manner. The payment was ultimately forgotten by him until he received his next payslip. He was shocked to see that his expected salary was now in the negative – he actually owed the school money. Andrew hadn’t paid back the money and therefore the school held back the over payment amount. Additionally, they needed him to pay back the remaining balance. He stated that withholding salary is illegal and contacted the union to see what could be done.
Although it is illegal for companies to withhold portions of salaries for a variety of reasons, the union agreed that this is a case where the employee was required to pay it back and it was reasonable for the company to withhold his payment. It was a result of an honest mistake and the company offered a reasonable solution the month before to immediately resolve it. He was advised to pay back the company if he had the means to do so. He proceeded with the payment and a stricter budget for himself for the month.
Are you in a similar situation? Need help?
Ask for a consultation by filling out the form here: https://generalunion.org/consult/
*Name has been changed to protect privacy