Ask the Experts: Final Paycheck After Theft

California Employment Law Update – February 2018
February 23, 2018
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March 1, 2018
California Employment Law Update – February 2018
February 23, 2018
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March 1, 2018

Question: We had an employee walk off the job after admitting that she was stealing money and property from the workplace. She has not returned to pick up her last paycheck. What is our obligation regarding her last paycheck?

Answer: Regardless of the theft, you cannot withhold pay from a current or terminated employee. You are required to mail her final pay to her last known address. If the check is not processed or is returned, then mail the unclaimed wages along with an explanation to the nearest labor commissioner office or governmental agency office that handles such issues in your state. Importantly, document in detail all your actions and efforts along with the employee’s reactions or lack thereof.

If you have not already done so, a best practice would be to provide notice to the employee documenting the reason for her termination (the admission of her act of theft from the workplace and that she has voluntarily terminated her employment as a result of the theft). However, you should also inform her that the company must ensure final pay is provided and that the recovery of any money or property she stole will be pursued through the proper legal channels.

Of note, employers are not required by federal law to give former employees their final paycheck immediately. Some states, however, may require immediate payment. If the regular payday for the last pay period your employee worked has passed and she still has not been paid or has not collected her wages, then you may also contact the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division or the state labor department.

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