Is an employer allowed to change you from part-time to full-time status?
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Is an employer allowed to change you from part-time to full-time status?
I have been at my job for 7 years. As of a year ago, my hours changed from 7 am off time to 5 am with the approval of the night manager. About 9 months ago, I was approved for part-time status by the head of my emergency room, which is 20 hours a week (that’s 2/10 hour shifts). Last week, the night manager sent me an email saying that I’m not part-time technically in his system so he is putting me back full-time and no more 5 am off times also I don’t get to ask for specific days off. From the tone of the emails and the actions, I believe that they are trying to make me quit. Is this legal?
Asked on June 1, 2017 under Employment Labor Law, Illinois
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
Do you have an employment contract or union agreement that prohibits this action? Does your treatment constitute some form of legally actionable discrimination? If not, then you are an "at will" worker which means that your employer can change the conditions of the workplace much as it sees fit. This includes when to change your schedule from part-time to full-time. Unfortunately your only options here are to accept this change, complain but risk termination, or quit.
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
Do you have an employment contract or union agreement that prohibits this action? Does your treatment constitute some form of legally actionable discrimination? If not, then you are an "at will" worker which means that your employer can change the conditions of the workplace much as it sees fit. This includes when to change your schedule from part-time to full-time. Unfortunately your only options here are to accept this change, complain but risk termination, or quit.
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