Can my shifts legally be changed from 12 hour shifts to 8 hour shifts without my permission?
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Can my shifts legally be changed from 12 hour shifts to 8 hour shifts without my permission?
I am a hospital employee and was hired on a 12 hour they are stating that it is the law and they have to change me and some of my co-workers to 8 hours but they won’t supply me with the law. Can you tell me if this is true?
Asked on September 8, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, California
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If you do not have an employment agreement or contract (which includes a union or collective bargaining agreement covering your job or position), then you what is known as an employee at will. If you are an employee at will, like the vast majority of all employees, then your employer may change the terms and conditions of your employment, which includes the days, hours, and shifts worked, at any time, for any reason, without notice; furthermore, your employer does not need your agreement or permission to do this. (They can also terminate you at will, if they choose). Therefore, if you do not have an employment contract, it does not matter whether the law is as they claimed--they would have the right to change your shift hours anyway, any time they wanted.
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