Los Angeles, CA asked in Employment Law and Employment Discrimination for California

Q: what's right and wrong from my employer if things he does is legal

I work for a Subway franchise and my employer decided to transfer me to another store location which would require me to take the bus which would make my commute over 2 hours one way he did this without my knowledge and I didn't know until today June 5th 2020 when he had texted me he would be transferring me on the 10th to another location to start work on that day when I ask what the reason was he told me "We dont discuss reasons for business decisions" so my question is if what he is doing is legal I feel as if I am being pushed out of the company so I quit and won't be able to receive unemployment .i also have many more questions I also have other employees that have complaints as well like myself i would first like to know this main question i need help thank you

1 Lawyer Answer
Neil Pedersen
Neil Pedersen
Answered
  • Employment Law Lawyer
  • Westminster, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Unfortunately, your post does not suggest any unlawful conduct.

In California you are considered to be employed at will unless you have an agreement to the contrary with your employer as to that status. The employer of an at will employee has the right to change the terms and conditions of employment at any time and for any reason or even for no reason at all. That means your place of work can be changed at the complete discretion of the employer. There are no limits on how far away you can be transferred. If the employer says you have to work 200 miles away, the employer has that right. But you have rights too. You have the right to say no, quit, and go somewhere else to work, and you can do that for any reason, or even no reason at all.

By the way, do not assume you will be disqualified from unemployment under these circumstances. The EDD might consider it good cause to quit if you were required to travel 2 hours each way to the new place of business. Apply and see what happens.

Good luck to you.

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