Paying on Time1 Part 20
This week we continue discussion of different situations with regard to the
obligation of paying on time (bal tolin).
1. Closing Unprofitable Business: If one has an unprofitable business, and
he decides to close it down, he does not become exempt from the Mitzvos
involving bal tolin. Therefore, he is still obligated to pay wages which
have already accrued, and if he refuses to do so, he transgresses three
Torah commandments in addition to bal tolin. With regard to withholding
wages by declaring bankruptcy, a competent authority should be consulted.
2. As we have mentioned in the past, there is bal tolin on domestic
employees such as maids, nurses or caretakers. Their wages are subject to
bal tolin every payday unless the worker had consented to accept late
payment. If an employment agency negotiated the hire, then there is no bal
tolin on the first payday. However, if the employee continues working for
that employer, he will be subject to bal tolin on all future paydays.
1. Much of the information for this essay is taken from "Halachos of Other
People's Money" by Rabbi Yisroel Pinchos Bodner.
