Is it legal for a company to tell employees that we have to find our own replacement when we call in sick?
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Is it legal for a company to tell employees that we have to find our own replacement when we call in sick?
Yesterday my non-union employee had all the employees sign a paper stating that when we call off sick we need to find our own replacement first. The last thing I want to do is call people when I am sick. When I asked for a copy like I always do when I sign something, I was told that I cannot have a copy had to wait until it was available online then I could print it myself.
Asked on March 18, 2016 under Employment Labor Law, Ohio
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
As unfair as it sounds, yes this is probably legal. That is unless doing so violates company policy or the term of an employment contract or union agreement. Also, this action must not constitute some form of legally actionable discrimination. The fact is that most employment is "at will". This means that a company can set the conditions of work much as it sees fit. And this includes an employee having to find a substitute to fill in for them in the case of illness.
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