So I worked at this fast food place, then I put my two weeks in and left. The last day I worked, I was told by a manager that I could collect my tips (which were done in a tip pool kinda thing) the day after. (We were tipped out once a month by the way).
I was busy so I came the day after that, but I was then told by a shift lead that I had to return the shirts I had gotten, which in my case were just two. I thought that was shady but since I needed the money desperately, I went back home and threw the shirts in the laundry. Since I was having a very rough day, I cried and felt like shit in my house as I waited for the shirts to wash and dry. Once they did, I came back and even returned my work hat for good measure. The thing is, I was never told of this arrangement or requirement for the tip — it was never addressed verbally or on a written form, and I never signed anything agreeing to this. Clearly, this was a way to screw me out of my money; I was even bemoaned that people never return their shirts, and so they couldn't give me my tips until I did so. Anyways, I feel like this isn't legal. I work in California by the way, and I was wondering if anyone knew more about this matter?
PS: Apologies for formatting, on mobile.