Are employers allowed to make deductions from an employee’s wages for unauthorised absences?

In Washington, employers are not allowed to make deductions from wages unless they are authorized by the employee or required by law. Unauthorized absences are not typically allowed deductions, therefore employers are not allowed to make deductions from an employee’s wages for unauthorised absences. There are several restrictions employers must adhere to when making wage deductions in the state of Washington. These rules are outlined in the Washington Minimum Wage Act. Employers must have written authorization from the employee before making any deductions from wages. The authorization must be for a legitimate purpose, such as repayment of a loan or a charitable contribution from the employee, and must be voluntarily agreed upon by the employee. If the deduction is for any other reason, such as for an unauthorised absence, then the employer must not make the deduction. In addition, employers must also ensure that any deductions for payroll taxes, insurance premiums, and other legally allowed deductions are reasonable, and should not exceed more than 25% of the employee’s wages. In Washington, employers who violate these laws may be held liable for damages and can be subject to fines and other penalties. To conclude, employers in Washington are not allowed to make deductions from an employee’s wages for unauthorised absences. If an employer is found to be making deductions without the employee’s written authorization, or if the deductions are in excess of 25% of the employee’s wages, then the employer may be liable for damages, fines, and other penalties.

Are employers allowed to make deductions from an employee’s wages for unauthorised absences?

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