Louisiana Contractors License Practice Exam

Under Louisiana law, under what conditions can employers withhold wages?

1. For unpaid leave

2. If the employee asks for a reduction

3. Only if required by state or federal law

4. During performance evaluations

The correct answer is: Only if required by state or federal law

Employers in Louisiana can withhold wages primarily when required by state or federal law. This means that if there are legal obligations, such as garnishments for child support or tax levies, employers must comply with these requirements and withhold wages accordingly. It ensures that legal responsibilities, such as providing for dependents or repaying debts, are upheld. The other options imply scenarios that do not align with Louisiana law regarding wage withholding. For example, withholding wages for unpaid leave or during performance evaluations is generally not permissible unless there are specific legal provisions dictating such measures. Similarly, an employee cannot simply request a reduction in their wages as a reason for withholding; withholding is primarily governed by legal mandates rather than individual requests. This underscores the importance of understanding the legal framework that defines when wages can be withheld in order to protect both employees and employers.