Accurate's MISTEP and update on NY INTERPRETER FORUM

Hey, Terps. Accurate communications -- a company we usually are cool with -- has recently sent out an email outlining punitive measures for Terps that show up late or don't show up. While we think Terps that are constantly late are a blight on the profession, the monetary damages Accurate is seeking seems not only ridiculous but illegal. (See the NY STATE RULES ON Deducting money from wages) Not only that but What the hell are they thinking? THIS IS ANOTHER reason we need a NY INTERPRETERS ASSOCIATION that will work as an activist against agencies that make such wrong-headed decisions! COME TO THE MEETING ON MARCH 20TH! 1-3 PM!

The following is from:

"Doing Business in New York State: A Guide for Small Businesses: Labor Law Obligations to Employees."


DEDUCTIONS FROM WAGES: No deductions may be made from wages paid to an employee except those
required by law or government rules and regulations (e.g., payroll taxes, child support orders, wage garnishments),
except those which are expressly authorized, in writing, by the employee and are for that employee’s benefit. Nor
may an employer require an employee to make any payment by separate transaction, unless such a payment would
be permitted as a deduction from wages. Such authorized deductions are limited to insurance premiums, charitable
contributions, pension, health and welfare benefit payments, union dues, United States bond purchases and payments for similar purposes.

It is a violation of the labor law for an employer to make any other deduction from an employee’s wages. For
example, if an employee takes or damages property belonging to the employer, the employer may not recoup the
value of that property by withholding all or a portion of that employee's wages. The employer, like any other party
aggrieved by the negligent or criminal behavior of another, must pursue whatever remedies are available at law. He
may not simply confiscate wages due to his employee without a court order permitting him to do so.

An employer is not obliged to pay an employee for hours that he did not work, but in making a deduction from
wages for lateness or absence, may deduct only the value of the time missed; the deduction of a penalty for lateness
or absence is illegal. Nor may an employer make a deduction from wages because he judges the employee’s work to
be deficient.