Being made to work less that contracted hours?

[napayshni65]

I just want to know if this depends on the law or simply a businesses own policy.

A friend of mine is contracted to work 16 hours a week. Last week they told her not to come in because they weren't busy, and the week before that she only worked 10 hours. Surely if she's contracted for 16 then she has to work the 16, and if for any reason they tell her not to come in, she should still be paid for 16. Also, the place she works at plays favourites - the same people get all their hours plus overtime, whilst others don't even get their contracted.

Where does she stand with this?

[osmont]

I just want to know if this depends on the law or simply a businesses own policy.

A friend of mine is contracted to work 16 hours a week. Last week they told her not to come in because they weren't busy, and the week before that she only worked 10 hours. Surely if she's contracted for 16 then she has to work the 16, and if for any reason they tell her not to come in, she should still be paid for 16. Also, the place she works at plays favourites - the same people get all their hours plus overtime, whilst others don't even get their contracted.

Where does she stand with this?

Look at a contract, make sure that it specifically says 16 hours. Then contact a lawyer.

[donough]

are you in the usa or the uk ?
it matters...........
and so............a lot of companies in the usa, do this.
they know that they can cheat the worker, no matter what.
cause they have the money and the lawyers, to do it. and usually
the worker does not have that.
also, in the usa, most of the work-laws, are on the companies side.
and the usa companies, also, put the law makers into office, and so the laws are written to protect the company, and not the workers.

and so, you may just have to "live with it", as most of us do.

UNFORTUNATELY....!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ingel]

It depends on what the contract says. You haven't given us any reason to believe that the 16 hour thing is a minimum and not a maximum for example.

Her best bet is to ask a lawyer.

ADD: Why is she scared of contacting a lawyer? If they fire her for pursuing legal action against an employer who isn't living up to their end of the contract, they're only going to get in more trouble and your friend will be entitled to sue them for that as well.

But if it's pretty clear that her contract says 16 hours minimum and they're not giving it to her, then she calls the head office and asks why they aren't living up to her contract. If they fire her for asking that, she can sue them.

[rickie]

Instead of standing she might be better prostrating - joking! Contracts work both ways. She should talk to her manager's own line manager, After complaining to her own manager first.