Can one be fired from one’s job for leaving at the scheduled time during daylight savings?
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Can one be fired from one’s job for leaving at the scheduled time during daylight savings?
I was told I would be fired if I left at my scheduled time because of daylight savings. I left anyway because I have certain obligations after my scheduled time.
Asked on March 11, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, North Carolina
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Yes, you could be fired for this reason:
1) If you do not have an employment contract (and most people do not), you are an employee at will, and an employee at will may be terminated at any time, for any reason.
2) Even if you had an employment contract, you could typically be fired for something constituting "cause" for termination. Leaving work when your employer has told you to stay could constitute unauthorized absenteeism, insubordination, and/or violation of company policy--that is, it likely could support termination for cause.
Your employer is not required to take cognizance of your other obligations; they don't have to let you leave to fulfill them.
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