Can I be made to work a shift that will actually cost me more in travel expenses then I would make?
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Can I be made to work a shift that will actually cost me more in travel expenses then I would make?
I was hired to work 40 hours Monday through Friday. Recently my employer posted a Sunday schedule for work from 12:00 p.m. through 1:00-1:1 5p.m. My round trip commute is almost 2 hours. I ask if there was any additional compensation. I was told I would only be paid for the time I was punched in. If I refuse can they take action against me?
Asked on May 18, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, Pennsylvania
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Unfortunately I'm afraid that you can. The fact is that in most states employment relationships are what is known as "at will", and PA is no exception. What this means is that basically an employer can hire or fire someone for any reason or no reason at all, as well has increase/decrease salary/hours, promote/demote, and generally impose requirements as they see fit. In turn, an employee can choose to continue to work for an employer or not.
The exceptions the foregoing would be if there is a stated company policy contrary to this, or there is a union/employment agreement that does not permit such scheduling, 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). Otherwise, your employer is within its legal rights.
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