What to do if my employer increased my work hours from 28 to 35 without a pay increase?
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What to do if my employer increased my work hours from 28 to 35 without a pay increase?
My employer increased my work hours from 28 to 35 without a pay increase. I usually work over the 35 hours one day a week without a lunch break even though everyone else in the office does. If I voluntarily leave, can I collect unemployment until I can find another job?
Asked on November 14, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, Massachusetts
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
An employer is free to increase an employee's hours at any time, without a promotion or raise. If you are an hourly employee, you'd have to be paid for the additional hours, of course (though the rate does not have to change), but if you are salaried, the employer can require you to work more hours without any increase in compensation at all. If you resign or quit for this reason, you will be ineligible for unemployment, since your separation from your job will be voluntary (even if you feel it is warranted or for a good reason).
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