My employer just told me they are cutting my pay by $3/hour starting next week. I did not agree to this. Can they legally do that?
In most states, including Ohio, employers can reduce your pay going forward as long as they notify you before you perform the work at the new rate. They cannot retroactively reduce pay for hours you have already worked. However, several important conditions apply. If you have an employment contract or union agreement that specifies your pay rate, the employer cannot change it unilaterally without renegotiating. The reduced rate still must meet or exceed the federal minimum wage ($7.25/hr) and Ohio state minimum wage ($10.45/hr in 2026). If the reduction is targeted at you specifically and you believe it is motivated by discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, or retaliation for reporting a violation, that would be illegal. Document everything in writing. Send an email to your manager or HR confirming the pay change and ask for the effective date and reason in writing. If you believe the pay cut is discriminatory or retaliatory, file a complaint with the EEOC or Ohio Civil Rights Commission. You may also want to consult with an employment attorney, many offer free initial consultations for wage disputes.
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