Can I be demoted because my boss thinks that I have family issues so I’m not focused?
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Can I be demoted because my boss thinks that I have family issues so I’m not focused?
This is after I got an excellent review for the 6 years in this position, including the month before she demoted me and took $1000 off my monthly wages after taxes.
Asked on July 2, 2018 under Employment Labor Law, Connecticut
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
Most work relationships are "at will". This means that a company can set the conditions of employment much as it sees fit. This inlcudes who to fire and why. In fact, an employee can be terminated for any reason or no reason at all. That is unless their treatment violates the tems of a union/employment agreement or constitutes some form of legally actionable discrimination. As to the latter, age discrimination against those 40 and over is illegal. However, in order to prove such a claim a business's action must be based solely on the worker's age and not due to some other work related reason (e.g. such as not being focused on the job due to family issues). At this point, you should consult directly with a local employment law attorney. After reviewing all of the details of your case they can best advise you further.
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
Most work relationships are "at will". This means that a company can set the conditions of employment much as it sees fit. This inlcudes who to fire and why. In fact, an employee can be terminated for any reason or no reason at all. That is unless their treatment violates the tems of a union/employment agreement or constitutes some form of legally actionable discrimination. As to the latter, age discrimination against those 40 and over is illegal. However, in order to prove such a claim a business's action must be based solely on the worker's age and not due to some other work related reason (e.g. such as not being focused on the job due to family issues). At this point, you should consult directly with a local employment law attorney. After reviewing all of the details of your case they can best advise you further.
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