Can my manager really do that, is it legal?

Question

I work at a fast food restaurant in CALI. Acknowledged that our schedule is made every week.

Ever since my supervisor quit things changed over the months. When my manager isnt happy with your work performance or doesnt like what you're doing. She cut your hours and give them to someone else. Next week you would get them back. It happened to few of my coworkers and sometimes she would take anything from 5-10 hrs away from you. I just cant understand why cant she just fire them or what. Even if I dont want to see my coworkers go. I just think its so wrong and unprofessional. Is it even legal? I'm sure my boss should be aware of it since he writes the check. With the schedule she puts you wherever she wants you to be.

Answer 1

It's legal but not ethical. Find another job.

Answer 2

an employer can change your hours and/or schedule at any time, and then change them again.

Answer 3

It's legal, unfortunately.  She seems very childish and unprofessional though.

Answer 4

California is an at-will employment state, and hourly employees can have their hours or state of employment changed at any time.  Only wage changes legally require advanced notice.

Unless you have a written contract with a certain schedule set into it, there is not much that you can do.  I have seen other employers use similar tactics to get employees to quit (narrowing their hours down to a bare minimum, for example).  Unfortunately for you, there is no guarantee of certain hours or a certain schedule for employees unless it has been specifically outlined in your Employee Handbook or contract.

Honestly?  I'd talk to your boss and discuss the manager's behavior with him.  Otherwise-- start looking for a job under better management somewhere else.

Answer 5

It's totally legal. After all, she's in charge. The only person who could object is the boss. And he's obviously in support of it

Your supervisor is using hours as a reward for good work and performance. This favors the business because good workers are kept longer and bad workers are given shorter and shorter hours. And all employees now have a reason to work hard.

Overall I think it's a very sound strategy. I recommend that you work as hard as possible and claim that #1 position. Then you won't have to worry about hours.