Legal Question in Employment Law in Minnesota
Unlawful Termination
Dear Sir or Ma'am,
In my job interview approx. 2 weeks ago it was understood (verbal contract?) that I would work only Tues/Thurs 6-1, unless otherwise consulted, and that I would be guaranteed those hours.
Now I am not on the schedule for those days/hours, and am expected to come in on other days, when I'm working at a hardware store, attending school, or taking part in family activities.
The owner tells us when to work and when to drop shifts rather than asks-- it is a struggle to remain assertive, for fear of being terminated.
My question is this: What is entailed in a ''verbal contract'' (can it simply be a verbal understanding of shifts), and does such an agreement act as trump over employer demands?
If my employer threatens termination on the grounds that I won't work the shifts she wants me to work, despite the verbal contract, what legal action can I take, and can I be awarded compensation for lost hours and possible damages?
Thank you very much sir or ma'am.
Bill--name removed-- St. Paul, MN
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Unlawful Termination
Was there any confirmatory memorandum of the job review?
What does your employee manual say about the subject?
I would need more info to answer your question, but you may have rights to compensation if you are terminated, perhaps beyond unemployment benefits.