Can we recoup $12K relocation expenses?

pmaher

We hired a guy in November. We agreed to give him a lump sum to relocate from CA to OH. His mother passed away 2 weeks ago. He has not had any contact with his manager for this entire time. A coworker said he has a new job in VA (I'm trying to confirm this as we speak). He also has a negative PTO balance (that's another story).

He signed our offer letter that states: "...existing policy requires an employee to repay any relocation expenses incurred by the company on that employee's behalf if the employee resigns from the company within the first year of employment."

Do we have any options? Can wages be garnished or do we have to go through other legal hoops? Or are we just plain out of luck?

Gillian

You should contact an attorney to find out if the signature is enough to make a contract. If so, you can go after this person just as you would any other debtor.

Rockie

Since this person signed the agreement, you probably have what amounts to a promissory note which is legally binding. Consult counsel on this before you proceed. You may not get your money back, but you could get a lien against property or a judgment against him, which would wreak havoc on his credit.

Don D

The company probably also wasted money on flowers sent in respect for a mother that did not die. Sorry, Wednesday is my day to be cynical.