What can I do about a demotion and cut in hours?
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What can I do about a demotion and cut in hours?
I have worked as a contracted security officer for 15 years with only 1 write-up; it was for being late to work. I was a supervisor but demoted for no reason and replaced with the sister-in-law of the chief of police of the Veteran’s Hospital. Then I was told I was having my hours
changed because I called out sick. Now my hours and job post are being replaced with the
nephew of the assistant chief. I was threatened I would lose my job if I did not except the new
hours. I have recorded my conversations with my supervisor. She clearly states,
Asked on April 13, 2016 under Employment Labor Law, New Jersey
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
Even if there is a government contract, if your employer is itself not government--that is, you are working in the private sector--then unless you have a written employment (including union) contract which prevents this in some way (i.e. some term or terms in the contract guarantees your job, or allows demotions, etc. only for certain specified reasons), this is legal. All private sector employment in New Jersey is "employment at will": among other things, this means that your employer may demote you, change your job or transfer your, reduce your pay, etc. at any time, for any reason that is not specificially prohibited discrimination (e.g. discrimination based on race, sex, religion, etc.). There is no protection, however, against nepotism--against losing a position because a supervisor or employer wants to give the job to a relative or friend: nepotism is perfectly legal in the private sector in this state. It doesn't matter if you had a perfect record, were well regarded, have seniority or experience, etc.--an employer may still fire you to make room for a relative or friend, or transfer or demote you to a different position to make room for a relative or friend. d on what you write, this is legal.
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