hi y'all, seeking any input and advice with a work and compensation issue:
my work has an internal policy that any overtime must be preapproved before working that overtime. I worked overtime numerous days in a 2 week period totaling just 5 hours. my supervisor chose to approve 1.83 hours from one day worked and disapprove the rest, though that instance was not pre-approved. this seems arbitrarily decided and is confusing. additionally, I was not communicated to and found out after receiving a smaller paycheck than expecting and speaking with the payroll individual.
the advice I am seeking is whether withholding pay from 5 hours of work is illegal, despite the internal policy regarding pre-approved overtime. my supervisor acted with the power to invalidate certain hours worked and the payroll person said they can't pay me unless my supervisor approves my hours worked.