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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Posts
    1

    Default Pay Reduction for Dating a Co-Worker

    My question involves employment and labor law for the state of: Texas

    Before going into the description of my issue I'd like to say a few things about the situation.
    Dating is usually frowned upon in most states, however, in Texas it's a little more laid back. The employee handbook states nothing in regards to dating in any sense.

    For everyone's sake, I'll keep this from turning into a 400 page story and get to my point of view and questions.

    My boss told a new female new hire that I was "single and ready to mingle." She took it upon her self to give me her number. I reached out knowing my boss didn't want me dating anyone at the office. I know it's wrong, I have my reasons. One being that I work such long hours that I cannot find the time to meet people outside of the work environment. Online dating was unsuccessful even after MANY dates. Moving on...

    GETS INTERESTING HERE

    Once my boss found out that we were dating, he immediately pulled me into a meeting and wrote me up for "conduct unbecoming of an employee." In the meeting he states that it is because of my relationship with this individual, that I was to be terminated in 60 days. I recorded the whole conversation. I start to make a little bit of a ruckus about it to some of my other peers. It's gossip, I get it. Word of me dating this person gets back to our COO. He pull myself and my boss into a meeting to discuss the rumor of my termination. He stated that there was NO issue with me dating a fellow employee, because we were both "front-line employees." My boss, defeated, states, "What about the other part of the PIP, the part about performance?" This "other part" does not exist in the PIP. But he goes on about it. And the COO agrees. So they reduce my pay by $15,000. Should I tell you my sob story or let you guys imagine what it's like for just a second, with a YTD check showing $15,000 lighter.

    Below is the audio transcript with details of the PIP.

    (Paranoid thought below)
    He made me read it out loud and verbatim. If I messed up a word, I had to go back and say it correct. I wonder if he recorded. If he did, how could this hurt me?

    Below are the reasons for the PIP - Straight from the audio file

    Partner participated in review session of expectations and deliverables regarding employment at "Company" with VP of Bus Dev. Partner reviewed and acknowledged all expectations regarding "Company" employee handbook and commission calculator and job description of "My role."

    Of direct note, partner was made aware that workplace dating was prohibited after a discussion with the department VP on the importance of the adherence to the dating policy, where legal liability and sexual harassment claims were just some of the topics of discussion.

    Partner knowingly and voluntarily engaged in behavior that directly violates the dating polocy. VP of Bus. Dev, addressed the noticeable violation of the dating policy with partner with his own volition, shared detailed feedback on this engagement that was deemed in violation of the aforementioned company policy. VP of Bus. Dev. provided notification of 60 day opt out effecting continuation of employment at "Company."


    I did sign this PIP. I was in no position to be out of the job in a city with no connections. I had to sign to survive and to support my kids. Yes, I have kids. I pay $700 a month in child support and I am so VERY happy to pay it! I couldn't live on unemployment and still send them what they needed for support.

    Facts:
    I am still employed here.
    I have proof of my pay reduction.
    I have proof and a pdf of the employee handbook and will send upon request.
    I am VERY stressed and anxious from this issue.
    I have had a symptom that was similar to an ulcer from the stress. Upper Endoscopy.

    Do I have something here? Or did I sign away all my rights?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    38,867

    Default Re: $15,000 Pay Reduction for Dating a Peer

    you have and never did have anything. They can reduce your pay if they want to as long as it does not go below minimum wage.

    Given the drop in pay you might be able to have your child support modified to reflect your new reduced pay.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    24,521

    Default Re: $15,000 Pay Reduction for Dating a Peer

    You don't have a thing. Pay reductions are not inherently illegal in any state. Nor is a regulation against dating co-workers illegal in any state. Precisely what did you think you had? What did you believe was illegal?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Posts
    18,340

    Default Re: $15,000 Pay Reduction for Dating a Peer

    "I knew it was wrong, but I did it anyway."

    Now you are stuck with the consequences.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    OH10
    Posts
    17,019

    Default Re: Pay Reduction for Dating a Co-Worker

    Having sex with a coworker is not a protected class.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Lake Chapala
    Posts
    3,043

    Default Re: Pay Reduction for Dating a Co-Worker

    Given that they could legally fire you for dating anyone (coworkers and otherwise) what makes you think it's illegal to reduce your pay for dating a coworker?

    Oh and also, dating coworkers is not "frowned upon" in any state. There are no laws anywhere is the US prohibiting employees from dating their coworkers. (Just as there are no laws anywhere in the US - including Texas - that encourage employees to date each other.)

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    24,521

    Default Re: Pay Reduction for Dating a Co-Worker

    Essentially, the law does not take a stand on the issue of dating co-workers. An employer is allowed, in all 50 states, to take whatever measures they please with regards to that, as long as they do not violate Title VII and related laws.

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