Can a manager change your schedule for the next day with less than 24 hours notice?

Answer 1

I am a manager at a retail establishment, and a manager CAN change it in less than 24 hours, but it should not be done on a normal basis. If there are call offs from other people, or some reason that more people are needed at a certain time in the day, they can call you to see if you can come in a few hours earlier or later. It should be your choice if you can come in or not (obviously you should want to help out because people remember it which may lead to promotions and good references for other jobs, etc) however, if the time change interferes with a previous engagement, then you should be able to refuse to come in until your scheduled time. (This may make you seem "difficult", but trust me theres usually always someone else the manager can call to come in as well). The schedule changing should not be a regular occurrance, if so you either have a bad manager or something is fishy (trying to get you so frustrated you quit, etc). If you think something's up, start looking elsewhere for another job, but if its only once or twice, give the manager a break-things always come up when you are running a business! :-)

Answer 2

It depends on how consistent your schedule is, and when your manager releases the schedule.

For example, when I was 18 I worked at a supermarket for the summer. I worked various days and hours, and my schedule varied widely from one week to the next. The schedule for the following week would be released on Saturdays. I would have to check the schedule on Saturdays to make sure I was scheduled to work Sundays. Inconvenient, but in cases like this, managers can certainly do it.

You would think that managers would prepare schedules more in advance, but alas, some don't.

In your case I'm concerned as to why your schedule was changed. Was it because someone called out? Sensible or not, a manager can do it. I know it sucks, but the best thing to do if this continues is to try to find another job, if you can.

Answer 3

Employers can get away with it, however out of respect they should discuss with employee the change of schedule in such short notice.

You have no idea how hard it was for me to answer this question without negative thoughts because I've been in this position and it would just tick me off especially when they would change it. It's a great way to get rid of an employee and they quit rather than firing and having to pay severance. When an employer does this too often they can get away with it and you eventually leave to find something else.

Answer 4

Everything depends on the state you live in. Look up your local labor board online. They can ask you at a moments notice to change your schedule but I believe here it has to be with 48 hours notice for them to change it. Plus, not everybody lives by the rules and they will do what they can get away with.

Answer 5

actually they are supposed to tell all or write it on or near the schedule that this is open to change. I am a manager an the on;y time i change mine w/o notice is if some one called out but I do respect my employees enuf to ask them if they are ok with that talk to ur manager an find out y he would do that

Answer 6

That is their right. But your right is to tell your boss if changing the schedule causes you a legitimate hardship. If you communicate it, hopefully you can work it out. Many organizations are hierarchies. Not the best situation, but true. My guess is the high growth of small businesses in the US is due to people's desire for freedom.

Answer 7

They should not specially, when you are in the graveyard shift and you will be required to work the morning shift.

Also, a twenty four hour notice is necessary to break the day, otherwise you will be working two shifts in one day. This is not acceptable. Unless they would be paying you overtime.

Answer 8

i would think so lynsky..depending on what state your in,as some states have a "right to work" thingy..meaning they can fire you for NO reason..as far as the 24 hrs goes..is probally more like 8 hours or as they might say "sufficent time of notice"..i wouldnt fight it,unless you wanna loose job,or have managment breathing hard on ya..good lux~myrtle beach

Answer 9

Yes - You work for the Company, changes can be made at any time to shift schedules.

Answer 10

They can fire you with less than 24 minutes notice.