Is there a law that limits the scope of the the work that you are assigned to do if it is broader than that for which you were hired?
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Is there a law that limits the scope of the the work that you are assigned to do if it is broader than that for which you were hired?
I was to repair equipment but my employer has assigned me to install routers that will connect the equipment to our intranet. I was only suppose to install but now I’m having to troubleshoot including the data transfer. I was only given on-line training to install the routers and connections but no further training about the software that it uses. Even the equipment I repair does not have software training. Can my employer insist adding this to my job when our IT department does not even send anyone to train or correct these issues?
Asked on September 2, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, California
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Employers set the terms and condition of employment, which includes setting employee's duties and responsibilitis. This means that a company is free to assign an employee to do things which he or shee is not trained or qualified to do--it may be very stupid to do, but the law does not require people (or companies) to be smart, and assigning a person to something he/she is not qualified to do is perfectly legal.
The law does not set any limits on the scope of your responsibilities. A contract might, if you have one: if there is an employment agreement or contract and it defines the scope of your duties or responsibilities, that agreement is enforceable. Otherwise, the company can do what you describe, unfortunately.
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