Isn't this illegal for a boss to do?

Question

Can an employer force a minor to clean out garbage cans, clean bathrooms, and other tasks not in job description. I work as an Usher for a movie theater, and they keep creating jobs for us to do while working, none of which were told to me when I was hired. Any online references would help greatly.

First and foremost, enough with the degrading comments, I am already working three jobs and am valedictorian of my class. I am asking these questions because of the health issues that are posed. Previously, I had to clean fecal matter off of the toilet, and was exposed to the risk of being infected with Hepatitis as my parents and doctor told me. My concern is over the fact that they also do not properly train us worker in how to handle these situations. What have you done while in high school, I sure not three jobs while holding the top in your class.

Answer 1

Someone has to do it. It's not hazardous work. You have to do whatever the boss man tells you to do unless you want to quit.

What do you think? The toilet ferry comes in and cleans up? No, it's the grunts at the bottom.

Welcome to the real world. Get to work or stay in school.

What is wrong with the kids these days? Don't think that you have to work just because... you don't want to?

Be happy someone is willing to pay you money to be an "Usher" and scrub the toilet for goodness sake!

In regards to your Additional Comments:

QUIT! WHY HAVE 3 JOBS WHILE YOU ARE IN HIGH SCHOOL? If your situation is so terrible that you need to work 3 jobs, then quit the bad ones and get a better job. The answer is still no. You can complain about not being trained properly, but you won't get very far with it. Make sure they give you gloves. You seem smart enough to know how to keep yourself safe, so do it! Did your parents teach you how to clean the toilet? Are you working to pay the bill for the maid or something?

Answer 2

The boss is always the boss, and he's always right. No point pursueing legality issues unless you want to be 'blacklisted'. Not happy, look for greener pastures elsewhere. He's not the only employer in town.

Consider other alternatives like self-employment. Keep an open mind and explore the market. Be willing to learn. Stay teachable. Learn a new skill, master it and you'll never have to look for a job again.

Answer 3

Yes it is legal .
Unless you have an employment contract (people with college degrees get those) , that specifies your duties .
Most of the unskilled jobs are "at will" and include whatever the person paying you wants done.
They pay for your time, it is more than legal for them to give you any tasks they want done, they are the ones paying the $$$$$ .
If you do not want to do the tasks, you are free to quit.
Welcome to the real work world .

Answer 4

If you contract doesn't specifically say that you are not to do those tasks you probably have no leg to stand on but they wouldn't be able to make you serve alcohol or cigarettes, being a minor. Also they wouldn't be able to have you selling the tickets but general cleanliness tasks can be a part of any position from manager (though they may chose to delegate) down, though if you feel these are taking up the bulk of your work, and cleaners get paid more I would certainly take it up with someone even if initially you speak with a longer serving staff member who may be able to give you pointers in how to approach the situation

Answer 5

While these tasks may be unplesant your boss is probably not violating the law. They are not hazardous or dangerous. Your boss is probably trying to maximize the time that you are on the clock. You could look at it as " at least he doesn't send you home ". There are many jobs where bosses will have employees do additional duties to maximize using their time. You might want to take this as a reason why you want to continue your education so that you can get better jobs in the future.

Answer 6

All of my job descriptions have had a catch all line. Usually the last line in the description and typically it reads something like this:

And other duties as assigned.

If you job description has a line in it like that, I think you are stuck, if not address this inquiry to a labor advocacy group (I assume you are non-union). Good luck and remember, too much fuss and you may not have to worry about how your ex-boss is treating the help.

Answer 7

Look at it this way, if they didn't find things for you to do, you would probably get fired. There isn't enough to do so they create things for you to do.

Look at it this way too.................This is life. Life is not about what you want to do or not do. People are going to lie to you about a lot of things. You are going to be very upset if you don't learn to "roll with the punches". You have to change your attitude and view this as a learning experience.

Get a good education and quit complaining. Do whatever is asked of you with a smile. (unless it is against the law or immoral)

Answer 8

Job descritions are usually for union employees not for non union unless an employer wants to give you a general idea of what your job entails but this does not mean your employer can;t ask you to do other task if needed. If it were me and I didn't like it I would look another job and go from there.

Answer 9

No. As long as you are not force to stay (think servitude), or the task are not sexually oriented (think clean the toilets while wearing tube socks... and nothing else). Than you boss can do this. All he has to do is give a certain amount of hours, and no over strenuous labor.

Answer 10

I am certain you will not like my answer however-yes your employer can ask you to do these things, no they can not force you, your free to quit and your free to refuse as well as your employer can fire you for insubordination if you refuse to do a task.

Sorry-I know it stinks (literally) to do some of the above mentioned items, but it is a job.

Good luck.