My boss changed my schedule, & threatened to fire, then changed it again. Can I go to labor board over that?

Question

My boss threatened to fire me becaue I needed to make arrangements for my daughter at daycare, due to the shift change. He gave me until 10.23 to get those arrangements made. Then on Friday, 10.20, w/o even notifying me, he changed the schedule yet again, & I needed to make even more arrangements for my all of my children this time. Is this something I can go to the Texas Labor Board over? What is the critieria, & how far can I push it at work, that if I get fired, I can at least still get unemployment?

Answer 1

It wouldn't hurt to call the Texas Workforce Commission office in your area. www.twc.state.tx.us is their website and you can search for the office in your area.

Do you have good performance reviews in writing? Also a contract or written agreement as to your schedule? Is the company paying for daycare/or assisting you?

The Unfair Labor Act may address some of these issues. But you're right to tread carefully. "At will" employers don't need much to let you go. So take notes and keep copies of everything, including all those messed up schedules. And be prepared to go above your supervisor's head if he gets abusive. Harassment of any kind is illegal. "threatened to fire me" could be just a bad personality or the company might view it as harassment.
Good luck and take care of yourself...

Answer 2

That really sucks you have to deal with that. I agree with the first answer, I don't know what the Labor Board can do, you can call to find out, but really, now is the time you should be polishing up your resume and looking for a new job. He does sound like a real jerk.

Good luck to you!

ps don't get fired, it's not worth it. They won't give you too much on unemployment and you have your children to think about. There are many companies that understand being a mother is your "other" job, and they respect that.

Answer 3

You need to call your local labor board on the phone and ask them these questions. The situation sounds very frustrating. Your best move might be getting your resume up to date and looking for a job with a boss that isn't a jerk.