former employer was to pay for classes but didn't and college says I owe

[jcallison]

Last year (2009) I was employed as a ground transport nurse by an ambulance service. My employer said he would pay for my classes (Into to EKG interpretation and PALS). I recently received a certified letter from the college I took the classes from stating my employer didn't pay and that I'm responsible for payment by Dec 3, 2010. I passed both classes. My former employer registered me for both classes. One class I never signed the registration and other I did. My employer passively dismissed me--he didn't put me on the schedule anymore. No formal resignation from me nor formal dismissal from the ambulance service. Any suggestions as how I should handle this? In the past my former employer ignored me and would not communicate with me. He also owes me for 2 ground transportations worth around $700.oo. I would appreciate suggestions how to handle both situations. Thanks ButterflyJ

[aznbc105]

do you have a written contract between you and your former employer?

[linearthinker, DNP, RN]

I'd say you are probably stuck with the bill now. Live and learn. Next time, make sure classes are paid for in advance.

[caliotter3]

Small claims court or an attorney. The Labor Board for the withheld wages. Get the attorney to write an attorney letter about the constructive termination and breach of oral contract. Any way you look at it, you will be out money to be rid of this headache.

[leslie :-D]

i agree, that if there's nothing in writing or classes weren't prepaid, you're likely out of luck.

contact dept of labor, re owed wages.

maybe you should get in writing from your employer, that you're no longer working for them, first.

this guy can say that even though you're not on the schedule, you're still on their payroll.

just cover yourself.

wishing you the best.

leslie

[2011NursingStudent]

You'd probably win a small claims case because you registered for the classes in reliance on a promise the employer made to pay the tuition. You can sue in small claims for the amount owed + court costs. Especially since they registered you and they owe you other money anyway, just total up what you're owed for wages and tuition and file in small claims, but make sure to put "plus costs" in the complaint for amount due.

[2011NursingStudent]

Oh, and write a demand letter first. Put "Letter of Demand" at the top, outline the wages and tuition you're owed, total it at the bottom and give them a 30 day deadline to pay. Say that if you do not receive the money within thirty days, that you have no other option than to file suit, including court costs and legal fees. They'll probably see the letter, know you're serious and send you a check - they know they owe you and aren't going to want to pay the add'l few hundred bucks on top of it.

[DC Collins, ASN]

You do owe the school, no doubt about it. But that doesn't mean the employer doesn't owe you.

I agree with those who say small claims / atty / labor dept. Don't let it sit, or you are keeping open the door for the employer to do the same to others.

Good luck!

DC :)

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

to keep your credit rating go ahead and make arrangements with the school to pay. Then consider how to collect from former boss. If paying tuition is part of the company's policy and they completed the forms, then they should be liable, unless the policy also states you were discharged before completion of the course. So you may need legal counsel. The good news is you get to keep all the smarts you acquired.

[BettyBoop01]

Oh, and write a demand letter first. Put "Letter of Demand" at the top, outline the wages and tuition you're owed, total it at the bottom and give them a 30 day deadline to pay. Say that if you do not receive the money within thirty days, that you have no other option than to file suit, including court costs and legal fees. They'll probably see the letter, know you're serious and send you a check - they know they owe you and aren't going to want to pay the add'l few hundred bucks on top of it.

Make sure this is a registered letter that they must sign for. And make him respond via email or in writing or voicemails, something you can save. Dont talk to him unless it is documented. No conversations with just the two of you or he will give you a line of bs and never follow through.