Legal Question in Employment Law in Pennsylvania
Termination due to change of work time and place
I am a real estate agent who has written a real estate feature article for a local newspaper for the last eight years. I was hired by the newspaper to work out of the office - coming in only once weekly to help put the section together. The entire weekly shift consists of about 16 hours. Last week I was told that, if I wanted to keep my job, I would have to work ''in house'' during regular business hours. I told my supervisor that was impossible, or I would no longer be able to work as a Realtor (where I derive 70 percent of my income). I also reminded her that I was hired under the circumstances that I could work outside the office. She told me that if I couldn't work the new hours in-house, I would be terminated. My last day is March 4th. Is it legal to change a person's job description so much that they are forced to leave? Can I collect unemployment until I get back on my feet (the sales end of real estate is slow right now - I will have no income otherwise.)
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Termination due to change of work time and place
Pennsylvania is a very pro-employer state when it comes to situations like the one you have described. Employment in Pennsylvania (unless you have a written employment contract) is "at-will", meaning that either the employee or employer can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, for any reason or for no reason.
On the unemployment issue, if the employer terminates your employment, you are entitled to unemployment compensation in most cases. If you terminate your employment, your ability to collect benefits decreases significantly.
If you have any questions, please call me to discuss them at (610) 584-0700.
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.
