My employer told employees to not come to work...?

Question

...due to an ice storm that closed many counties down (i, and many others, have been w/o power for over a week), my employer told employees not to come to work, then sent an email saying we must take leave or make up the time. i live in missour and know nothing about employment law, but i'm having trouble believing this is legal.

Answer 1

It's called "liberal leave" policy and we do the exact same thing in this state.

Answer 2

I don't know about Missouri specifically, but as a midlevel boss I had a similar situation (a power outage) and was told by HR something similar to what your employer told you. Hourly employees couldn't be paid if they didn't work (even though they couldn't work) and exempt staff had to use paid time off. Explanation was something about federal law, as I recall. Doesn't seem fair, but it's apparently legal (or was back then).

Answer 3

It is legal. We were told at my job last week to take a day off that they were moving our offices from one floor to another. however, we had to either take pto (paid time off) or if we didnt have enough time available, we could make up the day. it is fairly common practice in most industries.

btw. i live in ohio

Answer 4

I suggest check with your Human resource department, or the State department of labor.

Answer 5

Each company has their own policies. Most will tell you to use liberal leave - which means your vacation time or you have to make up time for it.

Answer 6

his infringing on ur benefits or things out of ur control..unless u choose not to show for work you shouldn't have to make up the time or have it come out of your paid time off...for those rare getaways..

Answer 7

its not legal

Answer 8

it isnt