Holding back a Final Paycheck - Texas

System

Hello. One of our facilities terminated an employee for cause last week. Today is the deadline for getting the employee her final paycheck, but this particular employee has a large set of keys that are company property. These keys give the former employee great access to resident rooms, as well as offices (Long Term Health Care setting). We do have a company policy with regards to deductions on final paychecks for non-returned property, but in this instance it's the KEYS that we really want back.

Is there anyway under Texas law that would allow us to hold this employee's check beyond the six (6) days that is currently allowed? Thanks

NeedCoffee

I don't know of anything that would allow you to hold his check. I also couldn't find anything in the TX Payday Law that would allow it - looks like you may need to hire a locksmith to get those locks re-keyed!

Sorry I couldn't help more!

System

Thanks. I figured as much and let our facility know that they needed to release the check regardless. I appreciate your time.

davids

I have had some success with getting keys back by reminding the ex-employee that the keys are the property of the employer and failure to return them will be reported to the police as a theft. We have had to actually carry through on the threat on occasion, but usually the threat is enough to motivate the ex-employees.