Hello Reddit,
I live in WA State and yesterday I learned my employer overpaid me for 9 extra shifts I worked since October 2022. When I received my November 2022 paycheck, I noticed the discrepancy between my usual per diem rate and the extra substitute work rate and immediately contacted HR/Payroll. I was informed that my 'base salary does not include the other portions of my monthly salary. The hourly substitute rate is a separate negotiated salary schedule based on the positions.'
It turns out I was given the wrong info in Nov 2022 and was quoted the language in our contract that stipulates I should have been paid my usual per diem rate. While I wish I had been more familiar with the contract at that point, I obviously feel like payroll/HR/whoever should honor what they paid in error and rectify the issue from here on. Especially since I tried to clarify the situation early on and was given bad information.
Do I have any legal recourse here? If not, do I at least have any grounds to demand they take the overpayment back over several checks so this has less of a financial impact? Per my calculations, it will be around $400, which while it might not seem like much, will make a big difference in my July finances.
I appreciate any thoughts you may have. Thank you!