Opinion ID: 1245229
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: South Carolina Payment of Wages Act

Text: Appellants argue that the trial court erred in ruling that District is not liable under the South Carolina Payment of Wages Act. We disagree. The South Carolina Payment of Wages Act (the Act) prohibits employers from unilaterally withholding an employee's benefits. S.C.Code Ann. § 41-10-40(C) (Supp.2003). According to the Act: [e]very employer shall notify each employee in writing at the time of hiring of the normal hours and wages agreed upon, the time and place of payment, and the deductions which will be made from the wages, including payments to insurance programs. The employer has the option of giving written notification by posting the terms conspicuously at or near the place of work. Any changes in these terms must be made in writing at least seven calendar days before they become effective. This section does not apply to wage increases. S.C.Code Ann. 41-10-30(A) (Supp.2003). In the present case, after the Board adopted the budget, the District informed Appellants about the change in wages well in advance of the seven-day statutory requirement. In addition, Appellants attended meetings where the District answered questions about the change and explained why the change had to be made. Because Appellants were notified of the change in policy as required by law, we hold that the District did not violate the South Carolina Payment of Wages Act.