I recently quit working for a large firm. It was my first job after college and a job everyone told me I was lucky to have. The pay wasn’t great but they have good benefits and I was told look after employees.
You really can’t trust a company. During Covid they had a commuter benefit, reimbursing travel to and from the office. When I was paying out of pocket, I found I wasn’t getting reimbursed. I applied for a company card and used it for my work travel. FIVE MONTHS after the entire benefit ended, they told me charges approved 18 months prior actually shouldn’t have been. They were incorrectly approved across two departments and four managers and needed $800 back. They sent me a sheet to sign stating this overpayment would be viewed as a loan. The use of my card was unauthorized. If I left the company or was dismissed, I’d have to pay 9% interest and I forfeited any right to a defense.
I refused. All of the charges were approved in writing. They supplied the training to submit the expenses. They have also rejected charges, demonstrating there was some level of oversight not just automatic approvals. I followed the rules as they were explained to me and labor law in the state I resides provides me certain protections. You must request overpayment within 8 weeks of notice, employees have the right to contest the charge. They didn’t follow any procedure. They threatened to come to MY HOUSE while I was sick to get the money. My boss screamed that she’d find a way to get more money (all of this was recorded and/or in writing).
I cut them a check and opened a file with the DOL. they’ve already lost three class action lawsuits for similar issues.
I quit end of last month after finding a better paying gig. Early November, I submitted health and wellness receipts. They offer 50% reimbursement up to an amount. It was approved the 15th November. I wasn’t paid the last paycheck in November and was told by HR I could expect it next paycheck. I didn’t receive it and now that I’m reaching out asking why it was never paid they say I’m not an employee so I’m owed nothing.
By their own admission they approved this the 15 the November and I have conversations saying that they would pay next pay period. Do I have any claim to this benefit now I’ve quit? It should’ve been paid out prior to me leaving. I don’t think them being clerically behind should result in me being penalized. Any advice? I’ll do small claims if need be. It’s about sending a message at this point.