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LastLiberal in PalmSprings

(12,539 posts)
Sat Mar 28, 2020, 05:41 AM Mar 2020

Austin company looking to dock paychecks for those receiving stimulus checks

Source: KXAN-TV, Austin, TX

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Mar 27, 2020 / 07:07 PM CDT While Congress was working out the details on a bill that would provide Americans with stimulus checks, at least one Austin company was looking for ways to save payroll.

“The form says they are preemptively deducting funds from our paychecks. That number is based on what they’re anticipating the government relief fund to be,” a worker for the company told KXAN. The worker asked not to be identified in this investigation so as not to impact his company’s ability to continue doing business. The worker asked not to be identified in the report, but provided KXAN a copy of the paycheck reduction letter his company emailed out on March 25, 2020.

The worker said his company emailed a form titled “Employee Acknowledgement of ‘Government Assistance’ Pay Reduction” to some staffers on Wednesday. “In response to the economic crisis that is affecting all of us due to the coronavirus pandemic…(company name redacted) are hereby enacting the Employee Emergency Compensation Fund,” the letter stated.

The agreement would put workers under a “temporary compensation reduction that is in line with the assistance that it receives from the federal government related to the COVID-19 pandemic.” By signing the agreement, the company’s employees would have their paychecks between April 6 and April 20 cut by 100% of any money received under the stimulus bill. The company would also take half of the $500 stipend allotted for dependents under the bill.

Read more: https://www.kxan.com/news/austin-company-looking-to-dock-paychecks-for-those-receiving-stimulus-checks/



I don't know what to say. Is there some kind of Evil University that Trump and his ilk attend?
49 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Austin company looking to dock paychecks for those receiving stimulus checks (Original Post) LastLiberal in PalmSprings Mar 2020 OP
That is wage theft Freddie Mar 2020 #1
Precisely Sherman A1 Mar 2020 #5
Ken Paxton will come to the rescue Jake Stern Mar 2020 #6
I thought that the stimulus would be reimbursing businesses for the lost payroll BumRushDaShow Mar 2020 #2
They have to report the payroll paid. Igel Mar 2020 #22
I bet this will become the norm. Cattledog Mar 2020 #3
Yes, republicans around the country are thinking; 'Good idea'. johnthewoodworker Mar 2020 #14
Austin a blue city will step in and stop this nonsense jimfields33 Mar 2020 #4
Which is why the worker asked for anonynimity when reporting this to the media. apnu Mar 2020 #41
The stimulus checks haven't even mailed yet, they're wanting to take money that isn't here ck4829 Mar 2020 #7
sounds exactly like what DENVERPOPS Mar 2020 #29
It takes a while for Trump to sign each and every check. LastLiberal in PalmSprings Mar 2020 #47
Why didn't they name the company? sinkingfeeling Mar 2020 #8
I live in Austin. I want the company name. Lonestarblue Mar 2020 #9
Sadly that will impact the employees as well groundloop Mar 2020 #10
True but you can also write to them Javaman Mar 2020 #35
In the article, it says it's a national company. Sunriser13 Mar 2020 #15
+1 ck4829 Mar 2020 #16
Worker asked them not to. apnu Mar 2020 #43
I've seen small companies trying to keep everyone on, cut wages 20% temporarily, but this is BS. Hoyt Mar 2020 #11
I'm not surprised at all. CaptYossarian Mar 2020 #12
This is not only disgusting, but probably illegal Sunriser13 Mar 2020 #13
Republicans are scum. Whataya gonna do? johnthewoodworker Mar 2020 #17
I'm calling BS. Until they name the company. GulfCoast66 Mar 2020 #18
Agree - no source, no credibility - seems like bot fodder from here getagrip_already Mar 2020 #26
I so hope you're right, because this seems too far out there Sapient Donkey Mar 2020 #34
Someone needs to get this in front of Beto... SKKY Mar 2020 #19
This is f*king b.s. LittleGirl Mar 2020 #20
So, Texas how does that RIGHT TO WORK FOR LESS LAW working for you turbinetree Mar 2020 #21
Selfishness is the cornerstone of the repug party. I beleive the department Hotler Mar 2020 #23
Why wsn't this company ID'd? marble falls Mar 2020 #24
Today in conservatism... Dawson Leery Mar 2020 #25
WTF. I'm just speechless. This can't be allowed. nt iluvtennis Mar 2020 #27
Like Jury Duty? underpants Mar 2020 #28
Where I live jury duty is $15/day plus mileage, but aggiesal Mar 2020 #31
My bad. It's $30 per day underpants Mar 2020 #33
Oh Hell No. BlueIdaho Mar 2020 #30
What the fu... How. Why. Sapient Donkey Mar 2020 #32
Which Austin company fits the blacked-out areas? dalton99a Mar 2020 #36
Hobby Lobby, Chick-Fil-A? marble falls Mar 2020 #38
Well, whatever they call themselves ends with a "t" Sunriser13 Mar 2020 #39
It was ImageNet Consulting dalton99a Mar 2020 #40
Crap! I missed that completely! Sunriser13 Mar 2020 #42
No need dalton99a Mar 2020 #44
Kill the company - find alternate employment for employees howardmappel Mar 2020 #37
THE COMPANY HAS RESCINDED THe PLAN End Of The Road Mar 2020 #45
Shining a light on them is the best way to scare cockroaches. LastLiberal in PalmSprings Mar 2020 #46
I'd bet $20 that the management is republican GeorgiaPeanut Mar 2020 #48
"Nice company you have here. Be a shame if it was to Progressive Jones Apr 2020 #49

Sherman A1

(38,958 posts)
5. Precisely
Sat Mar 28, 2020, 06:04 AM
Mar 2020

If true, It needs to be reported to every applicable regulatory agency and every media outlet as soon as possible.

Jake Stern

(3,145 posts)
6. Ken Paxton will come to the rescue
Sat Mar 28, 2020, 06:56 AM
Mar 2020

by issuing one of his infamous "opinions" that says it's kosher to dock pay.

BumRushDaShow

(127,314 posts)
2. I thought that the stimulus would be reimbursing businesses for the lost payroll
Sat Mar 28, 2020, 05:53 AM
Mar 2020

as soon as the funds become available. So that would be double-dipping.

apnu

(8,722 posts)
41. Which is why the worker asked for anonynimity when reporting this to the media.
Tue Mar 31, 2020, 12:09 PM
Mar 2020

From the article: "The worker asked not to be identified in this investigation so as not to impact his company’s ability to continue doing business. The worker asked not to be identified in the report..."

Both the company and the worker fear economic retaliation for their obvious wage theft. These government checks are tax advances that citizens have to pay back on their next tax reporting year (2019 or 2020, depending on when they reported last.)

DENVERPOPS

(8,679 posts)
29. sounds exactly like what
Sat Mar 28, 2020, 12:14 PM
Mar 2020

the repubs are doing to the nation's debt.....A trillion here, a trillion there and pretty soon you're talking real money......LOL

After the Repugs being the fiscal hawks forever, wasn't it Cheney who started selling the idea that DEFICITS ARE A GOOD THING!!!!!

My Republican father and all his friends would roll over in their graves if they saw this contemptious group of NUEVO Repugs.....

47. It takes a while for Trump to sign each and every check.
Tue Mar 31, 2020, 05:00 PM
Mar 2020

Then he has to hold the check in front of the camera like a first-grader during Show-and-Tell.

Lonestarblue

(9,880 posts)
9. I live in Austin. I want the company name.
Sat Mar 28, 2020, 07:44 AM
Mar 2020

Whatever company this is needs to be called out so others can decide whether to keep patronizing this business when life returns to normal.

groundloop

(11,488 posts)
10. Sadly that will impact the employees as well
Sat Mar 28, 2020, 07:59 AM
Mar 2020

That companies employees are between a rock and a hard place thanks to the greed of owners.

Javaman

(62,442 posts)
35. True but you can also write to them
Sat Mar 28, 2020, 01:18 PM
Mar 2020

And tell them what you think of their illegal practices. They need to be held accountable for their actions

Sunriser13

(612 posts)
15. In the article, it says it's a national company.
Sat Mar 28, 2020, 09:07 AM
Mar 2020

The damn letter was sent out before the relief bill even passed!

I just can't believe the cruelty and greed displayed by an action like this.

apnu

(8,722 posts)
43. Worker asked them not to.
Tue Mar 31, 2020, 12:10 PM
Mar 2020

The worker fears reprisal from the company, and or the company being destroyed, economically, because they know this is evil.

From the article "The worker asked not to be identified in this investigation so as not to impact his company’s ability to continue doing business. The worker asked not to be identified in the report..."

 

Hoyt

(54,770 posts)
11. I've seen small companies trying to keep everyone on, cut wages 20% temporarily, but this is BS.
Sat Mar 28, 2020, 08:02 AM
Mar 2020

As soon as possible, I'd be moving on unless they rethink this. Of course, if they rethink this, they'll just come back with a 20% or so reduction, figuring over 4 months that's about what the stimulus check works out to.

I suppose it comes down to whether most employees think their employer is acting in their best interest, or the owners.

CaptYossarian

(6,448 posts)
12. I'm not surprised at all.
Sat Mar 28, 2020, 08:31 AM
Mar 2020

I've had asbestos dumped on me, was cut to half-time the day before qualifying for profit sharing, and was cut three days before benefits kicked in--so I've seen it all.

To address that final sentence, my favorite boss once asked a colleague if he "went to prick school". (They have a large alumni.)

Sunriser13

(612 posts)
13. This is not only disgusting, but probably illegal
Sat Mar 28, 2020, 09:03 AM
Mar 2020

Not only under "normal" law, but I'm quite sure there's something further in the relief bill just passed to prevent shit like this. Hell, this letter was sent out before the motherfucker even passed!!!



The article mentions that this is a national company. In my humble opinion, they should be put out of business.

Arggggggh!!!!

GulfCoast66

(11,949 posts)
18. I'm calling BS. Until they name the company.
Sat Mar 28, 2020, 09:49 AM
Mar 2020

Government assistance can not be considered pay and having someone work for 0 pay would violate federal labor law. No company that has lawyers would do this.

Without more details, including the company name I am filing this the ‘don't believe everything you are told’ cabinet.

getagrip_already

(14,250 posts)
26. Agree - no source, no credibility - seems like bot fodder from here
Sat Mar 28, 2020, 11:30 AM
Mar 2020

We all have to be detectives with this stuff. You can't believe a thing you see especially if it's something you are somewhat prone to believing.

Bots use this tactic to get followers on twitter, and launch subtle attacks once they have eyeballs.

Sapient Donkey

(1,568 posts)
34. I so hope you're right, because this seems too far out there
Sat Mar 28, 2020, 01:12 PM
Mar 2020

But then again, I won't be too surprised if it turns out to be true.

SKKY

(11,772 posts)
19. Someone needs to get this in front of Beto...
Sat Mar 28, 2020, 10:02 AM
Mar 2020

...sounds like the kind of fight he’d be up for. I don’t see how this is legal.

turbinetree

(24,632 posts)
21. So, Texas how does that RIGHT TO WORK FOR LESS LAW working for you
Sat Mar 28, 2020, 10:25 AM
Mar 2020

and the only "hope" is the Fair Labor Standards Act, but since there is another psychopath over at the Department of Labor, don't hold your breath...........................

Hotler

(11,353 posts)
23. Selfishness is the cornerstone of the repug party. I beleive the department
Sat Mar 28, 2020, 10:32 AM
Mar 2020

of labor might want to have a talk with the asshole that own that company. If you win the lotto is the asshole going to suspend your paycheck?

underpants

(182,279 posts)
28. Like Jury Duty?
Sat Mar 28, 2020, 11:56 AM
Mar 2020

I've worked at both public and private sector companies that have had policies stating that if you are selected for jury duty you either sign over the check to them or they deduct it from your pay. I think jury duty is $80 a day. It's been a while since I had to do that. Not only does seem just cheap and ill spirited but from a cost accounting stand point I don't see what they get out of it. Depositing a check may not fully cost that but there is a cost that can be assigned to it. Even someone in HR doing a one time deduction costs something. But hey, it was the policy.

aggiesal

(8,864 posts)
31. Where I live jury duty is $15/day plus mileage, but
Sat Mar 28, 2020, 12:54 PM
Mar 2020

what you are explaining is a benefit that companies offer.

I’ve worked for companies that gave you your full days pay without having to use vacation or sick time or as it’s known today as Personal Time Off (PTO)
So if you spent a week on jury duty $75 bought you a full weeks pay without using PTO.
I thought that was an excellent benefit.

I don’t believe that’s what this company is doing.
The difference is that jury duty you where paid for services rendered doing a required public service for having a free and civil society.
This is money that the government is giving you for their screw up. No service rendered or provided.

underpants

(182,279 posts)
33. My bad. It's $30 per day
Sat Mar 28, 2020, 01:00 PM
Mar 2020

As set by the General Assembly. That makes it even less cost effective for this policy.

Sapient Donkey

(1,568 posts)
32. What the fu... How. Why.
Sat Mar 28, 2020, 12:56 PM
Mar 2020

I hope this turns out to be an elaborate hoax. I don't want to believe this evil mustache twirling stuff can actually be real.

Sunriser13

(612 posts)
39. Well, whatever they call themselves ends with a "t"
Tue Mar 31, 2020, 12:01 PM
Mar 2020

You can see the letter "t" at the end of the blacked-out name at the beginning of the second paragraph.

Also, the wording in the last sentence of the first paragraph would lead one to infer that payday is on Mondays, which might narrow it down quite a bit.

Back to the Houstonians to speculate...

Sunriser13

(612 posts)
42. Crap! I missed that completely!
Tue Mar 31, 2020, 12:10 PM
Mar 2020

The forums are just moving so fast I can't keep up.

I'm so sorry!

Should I self-delete?

howardmappel

(80 posts)
37. Kill the company - find alternate employment for employees
Sat Mar 28, 2020, 02:46 PM
Mar 2020

we need to find out the name of the company, find alternate employment for the employees and kill the company. I realize finding the alternate employment will not be easy, but killing the company may deter other assholes from doing the same. After all, it will be the invisible hand of the free market.

End Of The Road

(1,397 posts)
45. THE COMPANY HAS RESCINDED THe PLAN
Tue Mar 31, 2020, 12:33 PM
Mar 2020

It was ImageNet Consulting, based in Oklahoma City but with a branch in Austin.

Update can be found on kxan.com

46. Shining a light on them is the best way to scare cockroaches.
Tue Mar 31, 2020, 04:56 PM
Mar 2020

No matter how this turns out, the company's reputation is screwed.

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