A
aeduval
Guest
What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? California
On the first of September my employer, who is based in Oregon, notified me in writing of an immediate 50% salary cut. It was included with that period's pay. I've worked for the firm since it first went into business in 1984. For the past several years I've telecommuted from my computer/living room. I'm aware that salary cuts are not illegal but my big bone of contention is that, despite requests on several occasions, my employer has never provided me with an employment agreement although all his other employees get one as soon as they're hired stipulating their hours, their duties, pay, etc.
Also, I am paid no benefits - no insurance of any sort, no retirement fund, nothing. I'm diabetic as my employer very well knows and have paid all the expense out of my own pocket. Also, a few years ago while moving his office for him, a paper cutter hit me in the mouth and broke out my front teeth. He promised to reimburse me for the dentistry, preferring that I not report it to his insurance company which would have paid the dentistry without increasing his premiums (I know because I called them and he knows because I told him). I informed him in an email (our customary mode of communication) that the dental work had cost nearly $400. No response. Like an idiot I let it go for awhile then brought it up again and he did respond, maintaining that I had told him $40 and not $400 dollars.
What I would like to know but have been unable to ascertain is if I'm entitled to any kind of state compensation or assistance for the salary slash? Since I live and work in California and his company is in Oregon will this make any difference? I've never had to go on assistance before but now I'm in the ranks of Americans who are only a paycheck away from homelessness. I've diligently looked for another job but so far no luck and being unable to afford my diabetes medications or medical attention I'm becoming ill. To add to all my joy, a couple of weeks ago I injured my back and was unable to tend to my scheduled duties for a couple of days. I informed my employer I'd take care of things as soon as I could (and I did) but at the time I couldn't walk. During this time my pay didn't arrive on time. When I inquired about it he told me he had withheld it because I hadn't taken care of my duties and that if, in the future, if I neglected my duties again *without prior notice* he would continue to withhold my pay.
I suppose now I'm guilty of subordination because I replied that my crystal ball was broken and I'd been unable to predict hurting my back.
A few days ago after scouring the labor department's web site for info about these grievences, I emailed and asked him (just for the heck of it) if I was indeed a salaried employee or if I was an independent contractor. He replied, informing me that I was not a contractor, he withholds taxes on my wages, pays into workers comp, etc (I know this but I wanted it in writing).
I know in my heart his decision to cut my salary was a decision of economics and not a punitive one but I feel that he's been in error concerning the other issues and now they're coming back to haunt me. I'd like to be able to visit my doctor and I need to see my dentist. A trip to the grocery store would be nice, too. I would appreciate any advice anyone might give me. Thank you.
On the first of September my employer, who is based in Oregon, notified me in writing of an immediate 50% salary cut. It was included with that period's pay. I've worked for the firm since it first went into business in 1984. For the past several years I've telecommuted from my computer/living room. I'm aware that salary cuts are not illegal but my big bone of contention is that, despite requests on several occasions, my employer has never provided me with an employment agreement although all his other employees get one as soon as they're hired stipulating their hours, their duties, pay, etc.
Also, I am paid no benefits - no insurance of any sort, no retirement fund, nothing. I'm diabetic as my employer very well knows and have paid all the expense out of my own pocket. Also, a few years ago while moving his office for him, a paper cutter hit me in the mouth and broke out my front teeth. He promised to reimburse me for the dentistry, preferring that I not report it to his insurance company which would have paid the dentistry without increasing his premiums (I know because I called them and he knows because I told him). I informed him in an email (our customary mode of communication) that the dental work had cost nearly $400. No response. Like an idiot I let it go for awhile then brought it up again and he did respond, maintaining that I had told him $40 and not $400 dollars.
What I would like to know but have been unable to ascertain is if I'm entitled to any kind of state compensation or assistance for the salary slash? Since I live and work in California and his company is in Oregon will this make any difference? I've never had to go on assistance before but now I'm in the ranks of Americans who are only a paycheck away from homelessness. I've diligently looked for another job but so far no luck and being unable to afford my diabetes medications or medical attention I'm becoming ill. To add to all my joy, a couple of weeks ago I injured my back and was unable to tend to my scheduled duties for a couple of days. I informed my employer I'd take care of things as soon as I could (and I did) but at the time I couldn't walk. During this time my pay didn't arrive on time. When I inquired about it he told me he had withheld it because I hadn't taken care of my duties and that if, in the future, if I neglected my duties again *without prior notice* he would continue to withhold my pay.
I suppose now I'm guilty of subordination because I replied that my crystal ball was broken and I'd been unable to predict hurting my back.
A few days ago after scouring the labor department's web site for info about these grievences, I emailed and asked him (just for the heck of it) if I was indeed a salaried employee or if I was an independent contractor. He replied, informing me that I was not a contractor, he withholds taxes on my wages, pays into workers comp, etc (I know this but I wanted it in writing).
I know in my heart his decision to cut my salary was a decision of economics and not a punitive one but I feel that he's been in error concerning the other issues and now they're coming back to haunt me. I'd like to be able to visit my doctor and I need to see my dentist. A trip to the grocery store would be nice, too. I would appreciate any advice anyone might give me. Thank you.