Can an employer require that 2 people who are dating need to work at separate locations?

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Can an employer require that 2 people who are dating need to work at separate locations?

I have worked for a large company for over 10 months. While employeed my manager hired my boyfriend. We both work many overtime hours, cover shifts, and work very well together. Then, 2 weeks ago, the manager that hired my boyfriend quit and a new manager came in to take over. She is now saying that either my boyfriend or myself need to move to another location. I think that this is unfair as the.location we work at is less.than a minute walk from our home and travel will be expensive. We have never brought our relationship into work, and there has never been an issue with either of us. Do we have any rights? Can they force one of us to leave? Can we bring a legal suit against the company? This is making working very uncomfortable

Asked on June 16, 2015 under Employment Labor Law, Massachusetts

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 8 years ago | Contributor

In an "at will" employment relationship an employer can set the terms and condions much as it sees fit (absent actionable discrimination).�This includes who can work together. Therefore, unless there is a union or like agreement, employment contract, etc. to the contrary, your employer's actions are perfectly legal.�

As a practical matter, many companies don't allow for couples to work together. Workplace romances can lead to tension and loss of productvity in the workplace, not to mention some unscrupulous couples may team up to in order to commit theft, etc.


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