Quick Quiz: Recovering Losses From Non-Exempt Employees

Store Associate Alex is paid on an hourly basis at the rate of $10 per hour.  On Monday, he accepts a $150 check in payment for merchandise.  He was so busy that he forgot to get the necessary customer information, and now the check has been returned because the account is closed.  Alex's employer is unable to contact the customer.

A written company policy that is given to all employees when they are hired requires Alex to pay for the loss that workweek through payroll deduction, in cash, or by personal check.  As the policy requires, the Store Manager has Alex sign a memo saying that he agrees to make the payment.  Alex adds a notation that he prefers to pay in cash.  He works exactly 45 hours that workweek.

Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, how much can the employer recover from Alex?

[Editor's Note:  Click here for the answer.]