Do full-time employee cut down to part-time, have any rights?
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Do full-time employee cut down to part-time, have any rights?
I have worked at a company for 5 years as a full-time employee. Due to economic cutbacks, my hours were cut down to part-time. Is there anything that I can do?
Asked on March 3, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, Wisconsin
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
If you have an employement contract, or a union agreement, guaranteeing you certain hours or pay, you can enforce that agreement against your employer.
If you are being singled out for negative treatment due to an improper reason--e.g. because of your race, sex, age over 40, religion, or disability--you may have an employment discrimination claim.
If either of the above two factors apply or seem to apply, contact an employment attorney to evaluate the situation and help you vindicate your rights.
However, if there is no contract and no discrimination, the employee is free to reduce your hours--or even suspend or terminate you--at will. Without a contract, you are an employee at will, and the employer has complete discretion over whether you have a job, and if so, which job, for how many hours and what pay.
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