Has your employer told you they will take money from your salary because a delivery was late, loading or unloading took too long, goods were damaged, or something else happened during transport? Not every fine or deduction your employer asks you to pay is legal.

Your employer cannot simply invent fines or take money from your salary whenever they want. Common problems include:

• deductions for delivering goods late,
• fines because of traffic jams or delays at border crossings,
• making you pay fines that were issued to the transport company by its customer,
• pressuring you to sign a document saying that you owe money.

In some situations, your employer can ask you to pay for damage you caused. However, they must be able to prove that the damage really happened, that it was caused by your actions, that you failed to follow your work duties, and that there is a clear connection between your actions and the damage. Even if your employer says you caused damage, they cannot automatically take money from your salary without following the legal rules. You have the right to know why money is being deducted from your salary, how much is being deducted, and how the amount was calculated.

Be careful if:

• you are asked to sign a document saying you owe money without a clear explanation,
• deductions suddenly appear on your payslip without warning,
• your employer refuses to show you documents proving the damage.

If you are not sure whether a deduction from your salary is legal, contact the Labour Inspectorate for advice.

Uselful links and contacts:

Labour Inspectorate

Fake debts and unfair salary deductions are often warning signs of labour exploitation or human trafficking. Not sure about your situation? Check the warning signs of labour exploitation below to see if you may need help and support.