employment contract question.

[sfd101]

So I work at centreville. When I was hired, I signed a contract that states I will be paid $8.17/hour because I can start full time work before June 3. However, I didn't start work before June 3rd because they never called me to start work. So now, they are paying me $7.45/hour because I didn't start before June 3.

Can they pay me $7.45 instead of $8.17 because they failed to call me to start work on the specified date?

[Frogy]

I would imagine that is a good question for a lawyer that has read the contract since other clauses may be relevant to the answer.

IMO, if the clause states a start date and you didn't start then, unless there is a gauranteed start date clause you are stuck with the $7.45/hr.

[frostyone]

Careful how you paraphrase.

"states I will be paid $8.17/hour because I can start full time work before June 3."

Does it actually state that? Exactly?

The meaning of can is to be able to.
Hence , you should be paid $8.17 because you were able to begin before June 3.
Whether you worked or not. You were able to.


If it states WILL start before, or IF you start before etc. ... That's another ballgame.
Read it very carefully. Words have meaning.

[Bogie]

Yep, carefully read the details of that document. Is it a "contract", or an "agreement" based on start date? Did you question this difference of expected wage with the employer?