Can a company make you transfer to a different location?

Question

I have a situation where my employer is telling me that I have to transfer to another location or be terminated. I am in the state of Tennessee. Is there a law about this? Can they MAKE me transfer?

Answer 1

If you are not under an employment contract or a union contract you are legally considered an 'at will' employee. At will employees can be terminated for anything with or without notice, unless there is an issue of discrimination (see www.eeoc.gov). Employers are allowed to change the details of a job, including duties, and location, as long as these changes are not considered discriminatory. A company can legally give 'at will' employees the choice of going to the new location of being terminated.

Many employers move jobs to locations where they can get workers for less pay and it is legal. This is why many jobs go to foreign countries. Unfortunately while the employee loses their job, the company's stock value goes up.

Answer 2

It would depend on the state laws of where you are and all of the agreement between you and the employer upon hiring. As far as I know, if you refuse an assignment with a company then they can fire you.

However, there has to be some sort of limit on that or else the fast food places would never have to pay unemployment tax again. They would just transfer their unwanted employees to some distant state and wait for the employees to not take the assignment, then fire them for not taking the assignment.

Answer 3

If it's contractually obligated, then yes. This is going to be rare, and only if you have a contracted agreement with them. You'll need to seek an employment lawyer to discuss then. Otherwise you are not obligated. However they do not have to keep employing you either, and it may result in your loss of a job.

Some may offer you a position, but again you can turn it down. How this may affect you both ways (taking and refusing) can have different political ramifications that you'll need to carefully consider (for instance, the job may be higher pay but risky long term, or refusing it may put you in a bad position politically with other staff members).

Or if you're employer is the US Military. They tend not to look too fondly on people who say they don't want to ship out.

Answer 4

It depends on the situation . It may be that your current job is being stopped where you are now and the job moved to the new location.

The employer will normally pay relocation expenses. Otherwise you are out of a job .

Your State employment office may be able to advise you on what rights you have in this situation . You may have a claim for unlawful dismissal if they are keeping your existing job but are simply trying to get rid of you .