If I’ve been with a company for 16 years and now my hours are being changed to ones that I can’t work, can I be fired?
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If I’ve been with a company for 16 years and now my hours are being changed to ones that I can’t work, can I be fired?
For 14 years, I’ve been working 6:30-2:30 pm. Now they want me to work 8-4 pm. I have a part-time job that starts at 3:30 pm, and I also care for my twin 15 month old nephews. Can they change my hours legally?
Asked on November 11, 2015 under Employment Labor Law, New York
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
Yes, your company has an absolute right to change your hours at will (unless you have a written employment contract specifying your hours; if so, they have to honor the terms of your contract): employers, not employees, control employee hours, unfortunately. If you cannot or will not work the hours your employer wants you to work, you can be terminated; worse, you could potentially be fired "for cause," for not following employee directions or instructions, and therefore be denied unemployment compensation.
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