Can my employer change my hours without asking?
Asked by: Ms. Elaina Grimes | Last update: June 28, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (47 votes)
Your employer can schedule you when they want, and they can change their minds. This can mean that shifts get dropped entirely or you get moved to a different shift on another day. They do not need to notify you or ask if that is fine by you.
Can I decline a schedule change at work?
An Employee has a right to decline any hours, Shifts or work location changes not included in the Work Schedule. If an Employee voluntarily consents to work hours or Shift changes not included in the Work Schedule, the consent must be in writing.
What to do when your boss changes your hours?
- Step 1: Check Your Contract. Before you get indignant, check your employment agreement. ...
- Step 2: Talk with Your Boss. ...
- Step 3: Think Through Your Position. ...
- Step 4: Find a Solution. ...
- Step 5: Get it in Writing. ...
- Step 6: Learn from Experience.
Can my employer change my hours worked?
Because of this, employers are able to change their employees' time records — as long as they are an accurate reflection of the amount of time worked. If you have any specific questions, it might be best to contact an employment lawyer for legal advice.
Can a job randomly change your hours?
In California you are considered to be employed on an at will basis. The employer of an at will employee can change the terms and conditions of employment at any time and for any reason or even no reason at all. No advanced notice is required. The change can become effective when you are notified of the change.
Changing working hours - advice for employers
What is unfair scheduling?
What are unfair scheduling practices? Unfair scheduling practices include unpredictable and unstable work schedules, as well as a lack of worker control over schedules.
What to do when your employer cuts your hours?
Employees may have legal grounds to sue their employer for cutting their hours if it violates their employment contract, a collective bargaining agreement, or any applicable labor laws. In some cases, reducing an employee's working hours without justification can be considered a breach of contract.
What is time theft?
Time theft occurs when an employee is not working while at work, or they are not at work when they are supposed to be. This ranges from “shirking” (avoiding responsibilities) to outright fraud (for example, time clock theft). A lot of employee theft is unintentional or a result of low morale.
Can my employer take away my shifts?
Answer: Yes, your employer can cut your shift short, but in some states it comes at a price. In California, when an employee shows up to work, but is given less than half of his or her shift, the employer must pay what's called "reporting time pay."
What is the federal law on timesheets?
Every employer covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) must keep certain records for each covered, nonexempt worker. There is no required form for the records, but the records must include accurate information about the employee and data about the hours worked and the wages earned.
Can managers change your schedule without asking?
That means unless you have an employment contract or collective bargaining agreement in place that explicitly states your employer cannot make changes to your schedule, they can switch your work shifts, change your work hours, or make other scheduling changes at will.
Can you be forced to cover a shift?
Unless your job contract or job description has a particular statement for certain situations, an employer does not have the right to demand you stay after a scheduled shift.
How do you tell your boss you can't change shifts?
- "Unfortunately, I already have plans during that time. ...
- "I'm sorry, I'm going to be out of town with my family. ...
- "I'm unavailable during that time, but if you need any help on Saturday, feel free to let me know."
Can you sue a company for changing your schedule?
Unless you had a contract of employment specifically stating that your schedule could not be changed without your consent, the employer can legally change your schedule every day.
What is an example of unfair treatment at work?
Examples of unfair labor practices in the workplace include denying benefits or promotions to specific employees, discriminating against older workers, unequal pay, and many others. Discrimination is not only morally wrong; it is also illegal. You do not have to accept unfair labor practices at your job.
Can an employer take away hours already worked?
In California, employers cannot take away employee hours they already worked.
Can my manager keep changing my schedule?
Your employer can schedule you when they want, and they can change their minds. This can mean that shifts get dropped entirely or you get moved to a different shift on another day. They do not need to notify you or ask if that is fine by you.
Can my job just take me off the schedule?
Because of at-will employment, employers can take any adverse action against an employee they want, and that includes cutting employee hours or pay. But there are important limits. Employers can't break an employment contract with you. They can't cut your pay for illegal reasons, such as discrimination or retaliation.
Can my employer change me from salary to hourly without notification?
California law requires employers to give non-exempt employees notice of any changes to their pay. However, if a change in pay rate is reflected on the next payroll period of the wage statement, then no additional notice is required. If the employee is a salaried worker, employers should give written notice.
Can you go to jail for clocking in and leaving?
Can You Get in Trouble for Clocking in, but Not Working? It's ultimately up to your employer to decide whether your case of clocking in and leaving qualifies as time theft. If they decide that your actions were done intentionally to commit fraud, then you can go to jail for clocking in and leaving.
What is buddy punching?
Buddy punching occurs when one employee asks another employee to clock in on their behalf. In some cases, employee #1 is running late or has not arrived to work at the scheduled time, so they ask employee #2 to clock in for them, in the hopes that the manager or supervisor on duty won't notice the late arrival.
What is milking the clock?
(idiomatic, colloquial) To use as much time as one can in order to gain a benefit. (idiomatic, colloquial) To squander time while on a shift's punch clock in order to earn more money.
What does quiet firing look like?
Examples of quiet firing may include:
Giving an employee fewer and fewer responsibilities over time. Excluding an employee from key meetings and projects. Giving an employee less desirable duties. Having an employee report to an office that is further away.
What is retaliation at work?
Retaliation occurs when an employer (through a manager, supervisor, administrator or directly) fires an employee or takes any other type of adverse action against an employee for engaging in protected activity.
Can my boss cut my hours without telling me?
For instance, companies can legally cut the hours of nonexempt and at-will employees. They can also put these employees on furlough. However, in most situations, your employer must tell you (in advance) that they are cutting your hours. The amount of advance notice varies from state to state.