An employer has the right to make many types of deductions from an employee’s pay. These deductions include the cost of work-specific uniforms, tools, meals, lodging, and more. For anything that is for the employee’s benefit, the employer must first get the employee’s consent before providing the goods or service and deducting the cost of the employee’s pay.
However, there are limits on what employers can deduct from pay. FLSA does not allow uniforms, or other items which are considered to be primarily for the benefit or convenience of the employer, to be included as wages. Thus, an employer may not take credit for such items in meeting his/her obligations toward paying the minimum wage or overtime.
