Can my employer refuse to let me work?
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Can my employer refuse to let me work?
I have been working the same schedule 6:30 to 2:30 for 3 years. Director changed my schedule from 630 to 2:30 to 6:00 am to 2:30p pm while the other worker’s schedule extended to 2:30. My employer is refusing to let me work even though in clocking in by 6:20 instead of 6:00, due to childcare issues. I have no write-ups, no disciplinary actions or letter stating why they refuse to let me work. I clock in every morning but they say that I can’t work and they have someone clock me out. What can I do?
Asked on July 16, 2019 under Employment Labor Law, Alabama
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 4 years ago | Contributor
Unless you have a guaranteed schedule under the terms of an empoyment contract or union agreement, you have no claim here. As an "at will" worker, your company can set the conditions of your employent much as it sees fit (absent some form of legally actionable discrimination). Accordingly, you can either work the hurs that you are assigned or quit. Further, if you do not work as scheduled your empoyer can temrinate you. In fact, you can be fired for any reason or no reason at all, with or without notice.
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 4 years ago | Contributor
Unless you have a guaranteed schedule under the terms of an empoyment contract or union agreement, you have no claim here. As an "at will" worker, your company can set the conditions of your employent much as it sees fit (absent some form of legally actionable discrimination). Accordingly, you can either work the hurs that you are assigned or quit. Further, if you do not work as scheduled your empoyer can temrinate you. In fact, you can be fired for any reason or no reason at all, with or without notice.
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