Can my work force me to attend a funeral?

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Can my work force me to attend a funeral?

The president of our company died, and we are
required to attend the funeral during normal
business hours.

Asked on May 18, 2018 under Employment Labor Law, Utah

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 5 years ago | Contributor

So long as you are being paid for this time, then absent an employment contract or union agreement to the contrary, you can be compelled by your employer to attend a funeral. That having been said, you cannot be compelled to participate in it. For example, if the deceased was Catholic and there will be a funeral mass, then you are not required to pray, recieve communion, etc. Additionally, if attending a funeral in some way will violate your own religious beliefs or will trigger a medical or other disability that you may have (as recognized under the ADA), then you cannot be mandated to attend.


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