cross-posted from: https://lemmy.studio/post/283413

My wife works in a restaurant, and the power-tripping manager has instituted a new policy where all shift changes must be approved by management. I think that is reasonable enough, but they’re also asking the originally-scheduled employee why they are switching shifts, then approving or denying based on the answer.

For example, her coworker (Tom) wanted Monday afternoon off, and Harry agreed to cover the shift. The manager asked Tom why he wanted Harry to work for him, and Tom said, “I have a softball game.” Manager denied the shift change because it was “unnecessary”.

Is this legal? I feel like if you’re able to find someone to cover your shift, you don’t owe management any explanation why you need the time off. How should my wife approach this situation? Colorado, USA BTW.

  • mysoulishome@lemmy.worldEnglish
    51·
    1 year ago

    I don’t think it’s illegal but several things are true

    1. It’s delusional to think it’s ok to treat grown-ass adults like children in this way
    2. That type of delusion is 100% corporate culture in retail and food service management. I was a retail manager and it’s scary how skillfully they normalize abhorrent behavior because we need team players and other such gaslighting.
    3. Even given item 2, it is clearly a very bad idea for a manager to subjectively approve or deny shift switches based on the reason for them. Soooooo many HR pitfalls that could lead to accusations, lawsuits, fines, etc.

    Is it illegal to ask why you need to switch? Probably not, though it’s a bad idea (for them). Can they legally require you to tell them? I don’t think so. Can they fire you if you don’t follow the policy? Depends on the state laws, employee handbook, and lots of details.

    I’m not a lawyer and I’m not your friend but these people are clowns…they are trying to run their store the (wrong) way they’ve been taught. The policy is silly and wrong. You don’t have to tell them shit. Tell them it’s none of their business or tell them you are sacrificing a baby on an altar made of cat hair, or you turn into a werewolf on Thursdays. Be nice to the clowns (they may be sad inside) but don’t respect them if they behave like idiots.*

    *you may get fired