Q. I work as an administrative assistant and for several years I had stable hours and income. But last year my company began to tamper with that stability.
First, my boss lengthened my hours without giving me extra pay. Now, for budgetary reasons, the company is reversing course and making me part-time. I will now work from 12:30 to 5 p.m.
If I leave, can I file for unemployment because of the change in hours? I am an “at-will” employee, not covered by a contract. I also have a question about vacation. Of the 10 vacation days I earned this year, I have eight days left, which I want to use later this year. But part-time employees aren’t eligible for paid vacations. If I had received more advance notice of my status change, I would have used up my vacation days before now. Does the company have to pay me for all or part of the unused vacation?
A. Whether you can apply for unemployment depends on whether you meet eligibility requirements for wages earned or time worked during an established period of time under state law. You may be eligible since the company dramatically altered the terms of your employment by cutting you back to part time and effectively slashing your salary. But before you make a move, call your state Labor Department.
The company has to make good on all vacation time you earned when you worked full time. Going forth it can subject you to a new plan, but can’t take away what you have earned.
A note to readers: The U.S. Department of Labor’s new overtime rules took effect Aug. 23. Even labor experts are trying to sort out the impact on workers. Did you lose your eligibility for overtime because of the new regulations or are you newly qualified for premium pay? Contact Carrie at the e-mail address below. Include details about your duties and your company’s explanation for any change in your overtime status.
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Carrie Mason-Draffen is a columnist for Newsday, a Tribune Co. newspaper. E-mail her at yourmoney@tribune.com.
