Hello.
I'm having a bit of trouble wrapping my head around the labor laws regarding exempt employees, specifically for Washington state.
I will be having surgery next month and will continue to do most of my duties for work, and be there, 40 hours a week. I will have to hire someone to cover the more physically demanding aspects of my job for the 2 months I cannot do them.
My employer is threatening me to either do said physical aspects of my job (which my surgeon will not clear me for for at least 2 months) or he will dock my pay to cover the employee we have to hire, citing my inability to fully do my job.
There is no option for me not to work, as I am the face and primary manager of the company.
Can he legally dock my pay for not being medically cleared to perform part of my job but still working the same hours and doing the most important elements?
I have no benefits other than pay. No sick time,vacation, Insurance,etc. This is a small business of 7 employees.
My understanding is because he offers none of those things and I will not be taking any full days off, he cannot dock my salary. Is that correct?

