Is it legal for a manager to force an employee to conduct duties and tasks that are non-related to their job title?
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Is it legal for a manager to force an employee to conduct duties and tasks that are non-related to their job title?
The job description specifies “etc;” however, the tasks in question are completely unrelated to the employee’s job title and possibly require additional training certification, of which the employer refuses to pay for.
Asked on May 11, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, Idaho
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
The employer has free rein to determine and to change at will an employee's job description or duties--the employer, after all, determines what tasks or jobs it needs to have done. An employee's job title or job description is meaningless and legally unenforceable, except if the employee has an employment contract (including a union agreement) which specifies his or her duties; if there is a contract, it is enforceable.
An employer is free to reimburse employees for required training, credentials, or certifications, but is not required to do so--it may require employees to obtain and pay for these themselves. In that case, the employee should keep any receipts and evidence of payment, since he or she may be able to get a tax deduction or benefit.
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