What are the laws on being cut early or sent home early from work.

Question

Ok so say I'm working a shift from 2 to 9, and my General manager says that they are going to cut me at 7:15 if things are still slow. (cut meaning that I need to clock off, and will be done working for that day) My question is, do I have to clock off or can I say that I would like to continue to work because I want and need those hours.

I work at a theatre, so some days are slower than others, and I'm finding that I am getting cut fairly often and shortened on my scheduled hours. Someone told me that I can say no, that I want to continue to work, and they cant cut me, because they are promised hours, but I would like to be certain. before I actually say somthing to my manager about it. and possibly have a document of proof, because she is really stubburn at times.

So any help that anyone can provide will be greatly appreaciated, and if you have any links to any websites with the information, pleas add them I would love to see them. Thanks again!

Answer 1

If you aren't getting the hours you want/need it's time to find a new job man. You work in a theater so really even if the law is on your side they probably wont really care and just can you. My advice is to just tell your manger straight up face to face that you need to be working more hours a week and if it isn't possible you would like to notify her of your two weeks notice. Really just don't make it sound threatening just give her the facts. I need to work so i can get $$ if  i cant make enough $$ i need to go somewhere else to make more $$

Really on the legal aspect of things when your in the employment of a business like a restaurant (prob theaters too) in which no written contract is involved you have what amounts to a mutual contract that you or the employer can terminate at any time for pretty much any reason. So yeah they can prob dictate your hours but I'm not a legal expert. However telling the manager that she can't do something and has to let you keep working  is a real good way to get instantly canned.    

Answer 2

I can't say who defined this as "promised" hours, however, let me share my experience (perspective) with you.  UNLESS you have a contract, or job which specifically designates you to be full time... there are no laws relating to how long you work.

This might sound harsh to you - the reality of business is that you are not there in terms of what your needs are. You are there to fulfill their needs, and the ultimate need/ goal of any business is simple. Profit.

Businesses, especially like yours, have a direct connection between man hours (5 persons times 6 hrs, x wages)... and how busy things are (income).  WHEN things are slow, it is clear that the income for the night will be down. Estimate the income minus the cost of labor. If the work can be accomplished by 3 guys, instead of 5, then it is a waste of profit to pay more people than needed.  All of this is example, to help you see the process.. FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE BUSINESS OWNER.  

All of this is totally standard procedure..and completely legal. The job of the manager is to juggle the people available, to the amount of customers (income).  Many places try to "spread" this around, so the hours are shared, but not always. You will find this most often if you are part time, and in a service type job (fast food, so forth).

Sorry.. it isn't your option to refuse to clock off in this situation. The business goal is not to give you more hours based on YOUR needs, but to give you hours, based on their needs.

One other factor that you are not recognizing, and that is the economy. People right now have less money, many people out of work.. therefore, fewer people are doing things like movies.

I hope this helps you understand. In your future work life, something to always consider.. the MOST valued employees will always be the ones who focus on the needs of the business, not themself.. and work to meet those needs.  

Answer 3

Your employer can send you home early.  That's just the way it is.  I work for a national restaurant chain and we do it all the time when it's slow.  Whoever told you that you can say no is wrong.