Originally reported by Cathy Tatom, 2 News Oklahoma — April 17, 2025
Read the original story on KJRH.com »
When you get your paycheck, you expect to be able to access it.
But for David Goekler of Porum, Oklahoma, that wasn’t the case.
Goekler worked as a crane operator for a subcontractor building the new control tower at Tulsa International Airport. Instead of a traditional paycheck or direct deposit, he was issued a prepaid debit card. When he attempted to transfer funds from the card to his bank account, he found he couldn’t access his money at all.
"I cannot get a dime off of it," Goekler told 2 News.
After repeated failed attempts, Goekler’s employer used Zelle to manually transfer the funds to his account. The issue happened again on his next payday. After his employment ended, he still couldn’t access his final paycheck. Fees for checking the balance, withdrawing cash, and even leaving money on the card made the situation worse.
Oklahoma Labor Laws and Your Rights
Oklahoma Department of Labor Assistant General Counsel David Bryan told 2 News that while he couldn’t speak directly about the case under investigation, the law is clear:
Employees must have full, unrestricted access to their wages.
Employers may not charge fees that reduce an employee’s take-home pay.
Employees are entitled to receive a pay stub every pay period.
“The statute specifies that pay must be payable or redeemable upon demand without discount,” Bryan explained. “Employers may deduct payroll taxes or insurance if there’s a signed agreement—but there can’t be fees or delays that limit access to wages.”
Think You’ve Been Paid Improperly?
If you're an Oklahoma worker who’s had trouble accessing your wages, the Oklahoma Department of Labor is here to help. Our Wage and Hour Unit investigates claims of wage theft, including:
Missing or late paychecks
Improper deductions or fees
Failure to receive a pay stub
Issues with final pay after termination
📞 Questions? Call (405) 521-6100
We resolve most cases in 50 days or less.
