Can my boss cut pay, hours and benefits because he wants to give me more time to search for another job?
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Can my boss cut pay, hours and benefits because he wants to give me more time to search for another job?
I work as a janitorial supervisor. Recently I gave my boss a heads up that I would be looking for another job. Yesterday he called me in for a meeting. He let me know that starting next week he would be taking me off salary and dropping me down to 27 hours a week, cutting my pay by 50 cents an hour, as well as taking my benefits. When I asked him why he stated it was to give me more time to find another job. This just does not seem right. Is this legal; do I have any recourse?
Asked on June 28, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, Illinois
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
The majority of employment arrangements are "at will". This means that an employee can work for an employer or not, their choice. Conversely, an employer can hire/fire an employee for any reason or no reason, with or without notice. The foregoing is true unless: 1) there is a union agreement or employment contract to the contrary; 2) company policy that does not allow for this; or 3) if discrimination was a factor in such action. Absent that, your employer did no violate any law.
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