Legal Question in Employment Law in Florida
New Government Contracting Company
All,
I am in the process of potentially having a problem here at the job. I have been working for one company for almost a year now. They have lost the government contract, and the company taking over on December 1 has initiated a change in our job status, or demotion of sorts, from that of an electronics technician III to an electronics technician II. Is this kind of method legal when a new company takes over a contract? Do they have the authority and discretion to do this?
Thank you to anyone who knows if they have such authority and discretion. Also, if there are any court cases out there that touch on this issue, I would be grateful if they could be sent along to me. Thank you for your time.
Thanks,
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: New Government Contracting Company
If your employer is a private entity, they are unfortunately free to modify their positions (and your job/title) at any time---for any reason. As a result, it would seem that you are in a difficult position because you likely need your job but dont want to suffer a loss in pay. However, because have no legal entitlement to your current (or any other) position, you will likely have no choice but to accept the new position or look elswhere for work. Please feel free to contact me at (305) 755-9441 for further assistance.
Re: New Government Contracting Company
Unless you have a contract with the original company that protects your position (written or verbal, or some type of promise made to you), or the government contract itself protects you from change, then the new company may do as it sees fit. (As long as they do not act in a discriminatory manner.)
This is because you are an employee at will, meaning you can quit or be discharged at anytime, for any or no reason, with or without notice.
Your best bet is to do what you can internally to make yourself indispensable to the new company.
Of course, you can also look for another position and, worst case, collect unemployment if you lose the position.
Good luck.
Jeff Sheldon
Jeffrey L. Sheldon, Esquire
The Sheldon Law Firm
17804 St. Lucia Isle Drive
Tampa, FL 33647
813.986.7580
(f) 813.986.7489
(Admitted in Fl., MD, D.C., and Pa.)
http://www.SheldonLawFirm.com
Disclaimer: This posting does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice. It is not confidential, nor is it privileged, and it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please consult with an attorney for advice specific to the facts of your case.
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
