Can an employee be demoted without a reason?
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Can an employee be demoted without a reason?
Asked on September 21, 2010 under Employment Labor Law, Minnesota
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
Yes, this unfortunately is legal. In most states employment relationships are what is known as "at will"; MN among them. What this means is that basically an employer can hire or fire someone for any reason or no reason whatsoever, as well has increase/decrease salary/hours, promote/demote, and generally impose requirements as they see fit. You in turn can work for an employer, or not, your choice. Exceptions to this would be if there is a stated company policy contrary to this, or there is a union/employment agreement that does not allow for such action, or this situation has arisen due to some type of discrimination (i.e., for reasons due to your race, religion, age, disability, sex, national origin).
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