Usually, no. California generally does not allow employers to take deductions from wages for things like cash shortages, breakage, or loss of company property when it happened because of mistake, accident, or simple negligence, since those losses are typically treated as the employer’s cost of doing business.
In the real world, employers often try to label these as “policy violations” or “repayment,” but calling it something else doesn’t automatically make it lawful. If this happens to you, preserve your pay stubs and any written communications about the reason for the deduction, and push back in writing requesting reimbursement and the legal basis for the deduction.
Reach out to Attorney 4 Employment Rights. We can quickly evaluate whether the deduction is unlawful, help you demand repayment the right way, and pursue recovery through the most effective channel.
