Q: Can an employer require you to come in to work on a weekend with less than a day prior notice?
My friend was not scheduled to work this weekend, and was informed on Friday that he would have to come in to work the weekend because they sent the team that was previously scheduled to work out of state. I thought I remembered seeing that they were required to give at least a 24 hour notice before requiring someone to work on a day they previously had off, but now I can't find anything like that. Is it illegal, or just kind of a jerk move to someone who worked the last weekend (as scheduled), so hasn't had a day off in two weeks?
A:
In Minnesota, there is no specific state law that mandates a minimum notice period for scheduling changes, such as requiring an employee to work on a weekend with less than a day's notice. However, certain industries and collective bargaining agreements may have specific provisions regarding scheduling and notice requirements.
The legality of requiring short-notice schedule changes can depend on the terms of the employment contract, company policies, or any applicable collective bargaining agreement. In the absence of specific contractual or policy provisions, employers generally have the right to make reasonable changes to work schedules, but they are encouraged to consider the impact on employees' work-life balance and well-being.
While it may not be illegal for the employer to require your friend to work on the weekend with short notice, it can be considered inconsiderate and may affect employee morale and job satisfaction. If these scheduling changes become a consistent issue or if your friend feels that the demands are unreasonable, it may be worthwhile for them to discuss the matter with their supervisor or HR department to explore possible solutions or accommodations.
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