My employer has been deducting $15 per month from employee pay checks for employees who have company cell phones. They we told by the IRS to...

Question

My employer has been deducting $15 per month from employee pay checks for employees who have company cell phones. They we told by the IRS to do this as a charge for personal use on the phones. Several people have and carry personal phones as well but they are still charged the $15 per month. Last year, the IRS reversed its decision on this and notified my company but the company continues to make the deductions. Is this legal? Was it legal to begin with? If it is not legal, what authority do I report this to, to get it corrected?

Answer

This appears to be an unlawful deduction and violates California law. You can file a complaint with the California Labor Commission, Division of Labor Standards Enforcement or hire an employment lawyer to try to stop the practice and seek reimbursement of the money unlawfully deducted.