In Indiana, is it legal for my employer to withhold my paycheck for forgetting to sign my timecard?

Our county auditor withheld my paycheck because I had not had a chance to take time off from work at the Sheriff's Dept to go sign my timecard from two weeks ago. Everyone else in the department got their paycheck in a timely manner. I had to confront her in her office and threaten to go to the newspaper to get her to hand it over. I have had issues with her before and she was very confrontational. I might add that we (the jail employees) are the ONLY county employees that are required to punch a time clock.
Additional Details
I might also add that my supervisor has already reviewed the timecard and approved it. This "signing" issue has only started in the last two weeks.

wayfaroutthere

In most states it isn't. If you tell payroll or your boss what you worked, they have to pay you. If there is something to sort out, holding a paycheck usually isn't the way to get it done. It isn't a dry cleaner--you can't pull 'no tickee no laundry' with someone's paycheck.

If she wanted you to sign your card, she should have called you. If part of your 'issues' was that you don't return her calls, maybe she did it just to be sure she saw you. If you weren't going to be able to make it to see her and told her that, she should have mailed it back to you.

Do understand that she is in a job where she is responsible for having all the i's dotted--so if she asks for something, do it. But a stunt like holding your paycheck should be a last resort.

KitKat

I would talk to an employment lawyer. I don't know about Indiana, but in NC, it is illegal to withhold a paycheck.

Madrox

i seriously doubt they can, that sounds illegal to me. contact the US Labor people. I did a quick search but didnt see it. I would also contact the companies HR dept or the main head quarters if they are big enough.

http://www.dol.gov/compliance/

shelcom

Yes, it is. They'll pay you those hours on the next pay period IF you sign the timecard.

mister ed

sure -- when you sign your time card you are "saying you worked these hours" the only other way i would authorize payment with out the employee signing his time card is if his direct supervisor sign it stating the employee was not available to obtain his signature.. think what you want about the county auditor but she is within her rights. if she is that good i sure would not report any time when i was not on the job.

mark

It probably is legal. She may not be required to pay you if you havent correctly completed the paperwork. Your check should be given to you as soon as you have signed .

DrewS

They don't have to pay you until you sign it. You should sign it, then they will have to pay you. If they don't let you sign it, then you should do something legal about it.

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