Employers Claims They Can Fine Employees for Errors

[Msewald80]

My question involves employment and labor law for the state of: Colorado
I was informed 2 months ago by my supervisor that they are going to make me and other employees pay for appointments resulting from our errors as receptionists. I work at a massage school and the rate for massages can range between $20-45 for us. I spoke with the DOL previously and they told me that employers typically cannot deduct from wages resulting in mistakes. I informed my supervisor about this a month ago and she said she would speak to the Operations Manager who was handling the situation. Well today, I was told by my supervisor that they can charge for mistakes and gave me this form from URL www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs16.htm Does this mean they can charge me? My boss said that the Operations Manager contacted the DOL for this info but I'm not sure if this is true I don't read this form as the ability to charge.I want to see who is in the right here. FYI,I know 2 employees already who were charged for this in the past. I want to see who is in the right here. If I am what legally can I do about this? Thanks I appreciate it.

[cbg]

I don't know that they can fine employees for errors either.

But I do know that they can fire employees for errors.

[Beth3]

If you are fined, contact Colorado's DOL and file a complaint. They will sort out if this is legal or not (I strongly suspect not) but you can be lawfully terminated for making errors at work.

[Msewald80]

Ya I know they can fire me, but I just want to know if lawfully they can fine me.

[cbg]

I doubt it. And normally, I don't advise people to sit still for illegal actions on their employer's part.

But seriously? Which is going to hurt more - an illegal fine, or a legal firing?

Particularly when the whole situation can be avoided by simply not screwing up your appointments.

[Mr. Knowitall]

If they do fine you for a bona fide mistake in billing an appointment, I think you are likely to prevail in a wage complaint. What would come after that? cbg's prediction is not at all implausible.

I don't see that the worksheet provided by your employer has any relevance.

[Msewald80]

I am careful and check my appointments that I schedule. However, I am human, and am bound to make a mistake in the future. I suppose I shall wait and see if I ever get fined. I'm just wondering if this is legal and I can file for unemployment if I quit or get fired for not abiding. Thanks.

[Mr. Knowitall]

Your employer can fire you for making mistakes. If you can show that you were doing your best, you should still qualify for unemployment.