What to Do If Your Employer Cuts Your Hours Unfairly

ByWowThankYou

Employers often cut hours, pay, or both to retain their employees. Sometimes this happens with the best intentions, but sometimes the changes are unfair and come out of nowhere. Working part-time or contract workers is often the only way to make ends meet.

Unfortunately, sometimes employers can be unjust and cut hours without warning. This might come from downsizing, laying off workers, or restructuring its workforce. If your employer has cut your hours unexpectedly and started you at a lower rate than before, here is what to do if your employer cuts your hours unfairly.

Arrange a meeting with your supervisor

You can schedule a meeting with your supervisor to discuss the reduction in hours and inquire about the reasons behind it. It’s important to remain calm and collected during this conversation.

By approaching the negotiation process with a clear presentation of evidence and a solution-oriented mindset, you can increase the likelihood of reaching a favorable outcome regarding the reinstatement of your work hours.

  1. Schedule a Meeting: Request a meeting with your supervisor or HR representative to discuss the reduction in hours and express your concerns.
  2. Present Evidence: Prepare to present evidence supporting your claim that the reduction was unfair. This may include timesheets, pay stubs, and any relevant communication.
  3. Remain Professional: Approach the meeting with a professional and composed demeanor, focusing on a constructive dialogue.
  4. Propose Solutions: Suggest potential solutions, such as a trial period for reinstating your previous hours, or propose alternative arrangements that could benefit both you and the employer.
  5. Emphasize Benefits: Emphasize the benefits of reinstating your previous hours, such as your productivity, commitment to the job, and the potential positive impact on the team or company.
  6. Seek Support: If necessary, seek support from a labor union representative or legal advisor to assist in the negotiation process.

Negotiate a new contract

If your employer is cutting hours and taking away pay, then you have the right to negotiate a new contract.  You may consider negotiating your contract to freelance on the side, finding a new job, or asking for better benefits to make up for the lost hours.

If you do not have a contract, then you must get one. You can negotiate on any point of your work’s terms and conditions, such as wage, vacation pay, benefits, or anything said in your last written contract.

File a complaint with the labor board or State Attorney General

If possible, contact your state labor board that will help you deal with unfair treatment by your company. When your employer has cut hours and taken away pay without giving prior notice, then this could be considered unlawful actions by the employer.

This is why you need to file a complaint through the labor board if possible because they can help prevent an employer’s unlawful actions against an employee.

Look into Your Legal Rights as an Employee

You need to understand your legal rights as an employee. Look at your company’s employee handbook and make sure that you know what is not allowed by your employer.

For example, if you can receive benefits through an employer-sponsored retirement plan, you need to ask for the company’s participation in this retirement plan. This way, it will help ensure that the employees get benefits of their choice.

It will also help ensure that employees do not lose out on other benefits that they would receive, such as group insurance coverage, health care benefits, and life insurance coverage. If you have any issues, you should engage a reputable legal consultation with HKM lawyers in Phoenix and let them help you.

Collect evidence to support your case

If your employer cuts your hours unfairly, it’s important to gather evidence to support your case. You should consider collecting the following types of evidence:

By compiling this evidence, you can build a strong case to support your position if you decide to address the unfair reduction in your work hours with your employer or pursue legal action.

  1. Timesheets and Pay Stubs: Keep detailed records of your work hours and pay stubs to demonstrate the reduction in hours and its impact on your income.
  2. Communication: Save any emails, memos, or other written communication related to the reduction in hours. This can include any correspondence discussing the change in your work schedule.
  3. Company Policies: Familiarize yourself with your company’s policies regarding work hours, scheduling, and any relevant employment contracts. This can help provide context for any potential violations.
  4. Witnesses: If applicable, gather statements from colleagues or supervisors who can corroborate the unfair reduction in your work hours.
  5. Employment Contracts: If you have an employment contract, review it to understand your rights and any provisions related to work hours and scheduling.

Find a New Job

If things are not working out at the current job, it is time to look for a new job. Take some time and go through the different job listings in your area available right now or as soon as possible.

Take note of all the benefits you might receive with a new company, and compare this with what you are already receiving in your current position. Therefore, you will better know which option will work ideally for your career.

Conclusion

When it comes to a company’s workforce, certain things can happen. Sometimes, the employee will be provided with more hours. Other times, they may lose some of their hours because they were overworked or their work was not up to standard.

The most common reason for this is a new policy meant to control the company’s expenses. Regardless of the situation, if your hours are cut, and you feel like it was unfairly done to you, you need to find justice.

Originally published 28 February 2022 and last updated on 12 December 2023