Can an employer fire you for refusing to work at another location?

Question

I have been with this company for five years. I'm happy of the location where I'm working now. But, there is a new site being opened, 30 miles farther and I'm being forced to move at another location. My position, title and salary will remain the same but the new site will be an inconvenience. I've told them that I do not want to move, but they said that I still have to because I'm greatly needed at this other site and if I still refuse to move that they will fire me. Can they do this legally?

Answer 1

Both of the first two answers are correct, if you live in the US.

If you have a contract or employee hand book, read it. It may say something along the lines of "anything the employer sees fit". Broad and all encompassing statement that employers use.

If you live in a Right to Work state they cal legally fire you if they don't like your hair cut, shoes, or for any other reason provided they do not violate your rights.

Have you asked for a gas allowance?

Answer 2

Hi, The answer depends on a number of factors. You need to check your contract first. It is normal practice for a contract to say that your place of work may vary. If they were shutting the office and offer you similar work in the other office, and you declined then you would have no comeback.

If you don't have a clause that covers this and don't want to move, you should take legal advice if they try to force you. This is a frequent area for unfair dismissal.

If the travel is unreasonable you should point this out and could potentially ask for relocation costs to be paid if you wanted to move.

I have been trying to build an overview of these area for both the US and Europe. This will feature in the employment law section at getmorejoboffers.com. This sort of law varies by country and state.

Many employers often use these techniques to get rid of staff. However, if you are doing well, there may be scope to negotiate something positive such as a payrise to handle the increased costs or a promotion!

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Unless you have a contract saying that you will only be working at that one store, you can't really refuse for no good reason. It's only for 6 weeks. Just do it. It's not like your job moved to another state. (You wouldn't have any recourse then either if you didn't want to move.) It may not be a "social experiment." There may be some hinky finances or missing things at one place or the other and they might be seeing if the problems travel with the employees. Or one store is more profitable than the other and they want to see if it's the location or the employees.

Answer 4

This depends on your contract. Does it contain a clause where it is mentioned that you have agreed to work at any location your employer decides? If no then you can refuse to work at the new location unless the employer is ready to compensate you aptly. The employer then cannot fire you.

Answer 5

Yes, you are refusing to work and that is enough grounds for them to let you go. Remember, an employer can fire you at any time for any reason. Just as well as you can quit a job at any time for any reason. Its a two way street.

Answer 6

If you state is an "At Will" employer/employee state you can be fired for any reason..Doesn't stop you from being able to collect unemployment benefits though.

Answer 7

if they are closing the presentr location and relocating they can fire yoiu for refusing to move but not otherwise go to labour relations board

Answer 8

try contacting the source listed below his contact info is at the bottom of the listed website...sound like this person will be able to give you the best answer

Answer 9

sure! but the company need to take of some expenditure......inconvenience allowance etc.

Answer 10

I don't think they can, but you should consult a lawyer