What action is unlawful regarding the withholding of wages from a worker?

What action is unlawful regarding the withholding of wages from a worker?

• A. Withholding wages without the worker's consent
• B. Reducing wages based on employee performance
• C. Bonuses paid contingent on company performance
• D. Withholding taxes from wages

Answer: (A)

Withholding wages without the worker's consent is unlawful because it directly violates labor laws designed to protect employees' rights to receive the full wages they earn. Workers have a legal entitlement to their agreed-upon compensation, and withholding this pay can create significant financial hardship. Consent from the worker for any wage adjustments, including withholdings, is paramount to ensure compliance with legal standards. This principle reinforces the requirement that employers must engage transparently and ethically with their employees regarding compensation. In contrast, reducing wages based on employee performance can be legal if done in accordance with established policies and fair evaluations. Bonuses that are contingent on company performance are also lawful, as they are commonly used motivational tools that reward employees based on the organizational success. Withholding taxes from wages is a necessary legal obligation for employers, as they are required to deduct specified taxes from employees' paychecks. Thus, the action of withholding wages without the worker's consent stands out as improper and against labor regulations.

Withholding wages without the worker's consent is unlawful because it directly violates labor laws designed to protect employees' rights to receive the full wages they earn. Workers have a legal entitlement to their agreed-upon compensation, and withholding this pay can create significant financial hardship. Consent from the worker for any wage adjustments, including withholdings, is paramount to ensure compliance with legal standards. This principle reinforces the requirement that employers must engage transparently and ethically with their employees regarding compensation.

In contrast, reducing wages based on employee performance can be legal if done in accordance with established policies and fair evaluations. Bonuses that are contingent on company performance are also lawful, as they are commonly used motivational tools that reward employees based on the organizational success. Withholding taxes from wages is a necessary legal obligation for employers, as they are required to deduct specified taxes from employees' paychecks. Thus, the action of withholding wages without the worker's consent stands out as improper and against labor regulations.