As an employee, how long am I obligated to cover another employee’s job while they are on emergency medical leave without additional pay?
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As an employee, how long am I obligated to cover another employee’s job while they are on emergency medical leave without additional pay?
I have been covering my job and hers since May 9th. The just hired someone today but I have to train for a month. I’m just an interested if they can do that without providing addition wage for me?
Asked on August 1, 2017 under Employment Labor Law, South Carolina
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
You can be made to cover a co-worker's absence without an increase in your wages, that is unless you have an employment contract or union agreement that provides otherwise. The fact is that most work relationships are "at will" which means that a company can set the conditions of employment much as it sees fit (absent some form of legally actionable discrimination). Therefore, so long as your employer adheres to the overtime law (assuming you are a non-exempt worker), you have no claim here
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
You can be made to cover a co-worker's absence without an increase in your wages, that is unless you have an employment contract or union agreement that provides otherwise. The fact is that most work relationships are "at will" which means that a company can set the conditions of employment much as it sees fit (absent some form of legally actionable discrimination). Therefore, so long as your employer adheres to the overtime law (assuming you are a non-exempt worker), you have no claim here
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