Can an Employer in Maine Refuse to Pay You If You Forgot to Punch In?

It's hard enough most days, just for people to get up and go to work.

The last couple years have been odd, to say the least. Many Mainers had their jobs disrupted because of covid, or even straight-up laid off. Sure, there was that period where there were a lot of incentives to frankly, stay unemployed. But that time has passed, contrary to what some people think.

Maine, much like the rest of the country, has record-low unemployment. At 3%, that means there are about 21,000 Mainers out of work. So almost everyone has a job right now. But... not everyone is out there getting rich, and are working jobs that they feel don't treat them well due to understaffing, or any other host of issues. So it's not like it's a rose garden out there either.

Can an employer dock your pay for forgetting to punch in?

Now, I'm by no means an expert, but I've owned a couple small businesses in my day. But this thread on Reddit was asking if an employer can withhold wages if you forget to punch in when you get to work. Again, this was the third time I'd seen this question posted on Reddit. Which tells me, sadly, there must be quite a few shady businesses out there.

Here's the thing... No business in Maine is allowed to mess with your pay, other than to track your hours. Additionally, it's up to them to prove you didn't work. Most bosses will just adjust the clock and it's no big deal. Some bosses like to "make a point" for whatever reason and either make threats they can't keep, or have no idea how labor laws work in their own state, which is deplorable.

The law is on your side.

For real... If you're having trouble getting paid, there are a number of steps you can take. But step #1 should involve immediately looking for a new job. I imagine if you filed any kind of complaint with the state, it'd be ugly if you have a sketchy boss. But don't hesitate to stand up for yourself.

It's tough out there, even if it is a job seeker's market. There are tons of great employers out there, who stand by the letter of the law. But sadly, there's enough bad ones out there, that I've had to read about it too many times on Reddit. That's just sad.

Now, if people are working for you, here's a way to make them happy...