Can My Manager Force me to Work Overtime?

Question

My schedule is Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, thats what HR and I agree to. However we are short handed, and he is making other Co-Workers work Overtime on Saturdays 830am-5pm. I know I am next but I dont want to work OT. Do I have the right not to work? and tell him NO! please help! :(

Answer 1

It's called mandatory overtime. Your other choice is to find alternate employment.

It's really not that bad. Why not ask your boss if you can do 10 hour days instead?

Answer 2

Company (and state) employment policies differ widely. Check with the rules for your state, and the fine print in your company policy - meaning both the one you agreed to when you joined the company, AND the one currently in effect).

Typically, if you are non-exempt (meaning you get paid by the hour), the company must compensate (which does not necessarily mean actual cash, but may include additional time off) you for overtime worked. This is often set at 'time-and-a-half'.

If you are an expemt (salaried) employee, the company MAY be required to comensate you for overtime - but they may have some clause in your contract that specifies that you will 'do what it takes' for short durations to keep the business profitable. In consideration for this, an exempt employee is often offered certain other perks not available to the non-exempt individual.

Most US states are 'right to work'; this means you have the right to choose who you want (or don't want) to work for, and therefore have the option of leaving with little or no notice. Conversely, the employer has a requireement that is just as short for notifying you that you are being let go.

You can choose not to do the overtime (or arrange alternate methods like working extra hours during the week, instead of weekends), but your employer has the right to ASK it of you as well. Whether he has the right to FORCE you to work is dependent on the wording of both the company policy and the state legislation.

Answer 3

You have no Federal Protection against Forced Overtime.
An employer may discipline and or terminate an employee for refusing to work overtime.
Some states ban the practice of Forced Overtime, you should contact your states Labor Board to find out your states rules and regulations.

Answer 4

It depends on your company policy. You probably won't get fired but the promotion will allude you. Make sure you're getting 1 1/2 times your pay or a compensatory day if you are salary. If you are salaried get it in writing. Some managers tend to forget things quickly.

Answer 5

YES but he/she will not forget you did not help them when they needed it no one can make you work over 40 hrs trust me i work a 66 hour week as a norm but its because i wont to but if you are not wonting to go far with this company tell him no and you more then likely will get the crappy jobs from now on an i know that sucks but it is the truth.....good luck look at it like you are finely getting paid what you are worth they have to pay you time an half anything over 40hrs.....

Answer 6

Do you have a contract? If you do not have a contract you have no legal right to any set of hours. Yes your manager can force you to work overtime and if you refuse they have the right to fire you. If you have a contract they have to honor it.

Answer 7

It depends on your employment agreement. Some state that you must work OT if needed.

Answer 8

Pl see the ID of your manager first or you see the consequences.

Regards

Answer 9

No if the agreed hour were 8-5 then you don't have to do it, but don't expect that promotion.

Answer 10

You have the right to refuse and you employer has the right to fire you for refusing to work.