(((((Mary Alice))))) I’m so sorry to hear that but I figured that would be the case. Wmd had it right, Wisconsin is a right to work state so they can do just about anything that they want. The company that my husband works for has given out “bonuses” twice a year since they opened 30 years ago. These bonuses are earned by doing x, y, and z. Things such as quality control, reduced waste, increased production, on time delivery etc. There is a checklist and they keep you updated as to how you’re doing.

Last Christmas, they were on target to get the same amount that they have always gotten. However two days before the checks were to be issued, they were informed that other plants have not been doing as well as this one, and that all the money was going to be thrown into the kiddy and split amongst the 6 plants. This reduced our plants bonus from an average of $5,000 to $500. (Before taxes, and they tax it as a gift so they take half in taxes.)

There was absolutely nothing anyone could do, even though these bonuses are listed in their benefits package, they’re still considered “gifts” and the company can take them away at will. Even though to earn them, each employee had to go above and beyond to earn them. Even though two days before the checks were due to be issued they stated that they were on course to get the standard bonus.

They further added insult to injury for this plant by deducting the spring bonus of around $300 from the Christmas bonus. None of the other plants met the requirements for the spring bonus, so there was no money deducted from their bonus. So the average employee of this plant had planned on bringing home a bonus of $2,500 and wound up with about $200.

Wisconsin is particularly difficult for the employees. Although I must say that Oregon was much worse on some points. The company you worked for could only make you work 3 12-hour sifts a week and you were entitled to breaks every so many hours. At least Wisconsin mandates that you have one day off a week. But things like breaks “are to be negotiated by the employee and employer”. They do make the company pay you for your break if it is less than a half an hour. But other than that, if you’re over the age of 18, you’re screwed.