You accepted a job because it would give you a raise from your old position with a previous employer. The higher pay rate was your main deciding factor.
That is why you are so frustrated when your new boss comes to you and tells you that they are going to be cutting your pay. They are going to reduce it so far that you will now actually be earning less money than you were at your old job. This feels illegal, as if you have been tricked. But is it? Or does your employer have the right to reduce your pay?
It can be illegal in certain situations
As a general rule, no, a pay cut is not illegal. Your boss can reduce your pay as long as they do not go under the minimum wage.
But there are some issues that could make it illegal. For instance, maybe there is a delay in your payment, where you are actually being paid for hours that were worked two weeks ago. If your boss retroactively reduces your pay for hours that you already worked, that is illegal. A pay cut always has to focus on the future and apply to hours you have not worked yet. This gives you a chance to leave if you do not accept the new pay rate.
Secondly, there may be an illegal reason for the pay cut. Is it a form of discrimination based on your age, gender, religion or another protected class? Is it illegal retaliation because you reported sexual harassment or workplace safety violations? If you can show that the pay cut was done for an illegal reason, then that is a violation of your rights.
This can all get to be very complex, so be sure you know exactly what legal steps to take as you seek a resolution.
