Work Scheduling

[Melvin]

I am a night shift worker and my employer often holds mandatory meetings in the middle of the day and usually on a scheduled day off. Always with little notice. For example, last night I worked 11pm to 7am. I am scheduled to work the same shift tonight with the next two days off. When I woke up today to get ready for my shift, I had a voicemail from my manager informing me of a mandatory meeting tomorrow at 3pm. I called to voice my concern and was told that anyone who doesn't show up will be terminated. Can an employer do that? I haven't missed any time before. Can I be fired for missing a meeting that occurs on my scheduled day off?

[Archimbald]

William:

Unless you have a labor union contract or other contractual agreement to the contrary, I'm afraid the employer does have the right to call mandatory meetings on your day off.  But you have to be paid for the time, and if that puts you over 40 hours for the calendar week you are entitled to be paid overtime, at the rate of at least time and a half.  (I am assuming you are an hourly-paid worker who is "non-exempt" under the Fair Labor Standards Act.)

I hope this is helpful.