Q: Is my employer, a private university, required to employ me, at-will hourly staff, during their closure for COVID19?
I have a particular contract with my work. I am allowed to work up to 40 hours a week 37.5 weeks out of the year. My position is on site as a technician in the sculpture department. The school is shutting down their onsite operations for at least 3 weeks. They have asked workers who can work from home to do so. Will I be able to be paid even if I can't enter the buildings and work 'at home'? I can provide the details of my contract if I can talk to someone directly and privately. Thanks for yoru time.
A:
The answer to your question will depend entirely on the terms of your contract. Unless modified by contract your employer has no duty to pay you for periods of time that you are not working due to closure. It would be wise for you to locate and consult with an experienced employment law attorney as soon as possible to explore your facts and determine your options. I would suggest you look either on this site, or go to www.cela.org, the home page for the California Employment Lawyers Association, an organization whose members are dedicated to the representation of employees against their employers.
Good luck to you.
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