Charge for direct deposit of paycheck - legal?
Q: I was recently hired by the school district in the town where I was a part- time librarian. I was surprised when I received my first 'teacher' paycheck as I was charged 50 cents for admin costs of writing the check (which is direct deposited). However, when I worked (and still sub) as a librarian for the same town - same type of check - same direct deposit - I am not charged the 50 cents. This does not seem right to me. Is this a)legal to charge someone money to write their paycheck and b) common.
A: You present a legitimate concern. I contacted Jeffrey A. Dretler, a partner in Prince, Lobel, Glovsky and Tye's Employment Law Group. He and I both are puzzled as to why your employer would be charging such a fee since it is likely less expensive for your employer to have your pay directly deposited in your bank account(s).
According to Dretler, some states have laws that specifically prohibit an employer from charging a fee to employees for direct deposit. Specifically, Dretler explains, "Massachusetts law does not specifically address direct deposit, but does require that an employer provide a paycheck to an employee for cashing at a bank or elsewhere 'without charge by deduction from the face amount thereof.' M.G.L. c. 148, § 149. The Massachusetts Attorney General, who has responsibility for interpreting and enforcing the state’s wage and hour laws, including this provision, would likely view your employer’s practice to be in violation of the law."
If you are a union member, Dretler suggests that you may want to speak with your union representative to see if your employer's actions are in violation of the applicable collective bargaining agreement. You may also contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office if you are not a union member or if you feel like your union representative is unable to help you.
Dretler further adds: "If the employer’s practice does violate Massachusetts wage and hour law, it is likely violating not just your rights but those of all other teachers in your town and could be vulnerable to a class action lawsuit. Since Massachusetts law provides for mandatory treble (triple) damages for wage and hour violations, your employer may be willing to change its practices if you raise it as an issue."
Direct deposits are certainly becoming more and more common. I know of no other employers who charge their employees for direct deposits. All of our clients offer direct deposits and most employees have their pay directly deposited today. It is a bit safer than a "live" check and a bit more efficient than mailing checks. Lastly, many of our clients are making an effort to be "greener." This is one simple step toward being a "greener" employer.
about this blog
e-mail your question
Meet the Jobs Docs
Patricia Hunt Sinacole is president of First Beacon Group LLC, a human resources consulting firm in Hopkinton. She works with clients across many industries including technology, biotech and medical devices, financial services, and healthcare, and has over 20 years of human resources experience.
Elaine Varelas is managing partner at Keystone Partners, a career management firm in Boston and serves on the board of Career Partners International.
Cindy Atoji Keene is a freelance journalist with more than 25 years experience. E-mail her directly here.
Peter Post is the author of "The Etiquette Advantage in Business." Email questions about business etiquette to him directly here.
Stu Coleman, a partner and general manager at Winter, Wyman, manages the firm's Financial Contracting division, and provides strategic staffing services to Boston-area organizations needing Accounting and Finance workforce solutions and contract talent.
Tracy Cashman is a partner and the general manager of the Information Technology search division at Winter, Wyman. She has 20 years of experience partnering with clients in the Boston area to conduct technology searches in a wide variety of industries and technology.
Paul Hellman is the founder of Express Potential, which specializes in executive communication skills. He consults and speaks internationally on how to capture attention & influence others. Email him directly here.
