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Texas Employment Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Texas on
Q: I work in retail in Tx and currently scheduled 14 days straight before my next day off. Is that allowed? I’m full time

My current work schedule is from my last day off on May 25th and my next day off will be June 8th. That’s 14 straight days without a day off. I work full time hours even though it says I’m part time. Would I get in trouble if I called in to take a day off for rest?

Rhiannon Herbert
Rhiannon Herbert
answered on May 31, 2022

Assuming you're 18 or older, there are no laws that limit the number of days or hours you can be scheduled to work. If you are concerned about your current schedule, you should approach your manager or HR department and ask to have one of these days removed from your schedule.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Texas on
Q: Is a company allowed to separate from you without giving a valid reason?

I was at the corporate location in Desoto Tx working/training and was informed of the separation last minute and not given a valid reason. Now I am unexpectedly unemployed and no one from the company is taking my calls emails or texts to answer my general questions about compensation insurance and... View More

Rhiannon Herbert
Rhiannon Herbert
answered on May 24, 2022

Texas is an at-will employment state, meaning you or your employer can terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason, or for no reason at all. Thus, employers do not need to provide a reason for an employee's termination.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for Texas on
Q: A local employer rescinded my signed offer letter AFTER I resigned from my previous job. Do I have any legal recourse?

The offer letter contains mine and the employer's signature, the agreed upon salary, and my start date. The director called me and said the person I was replacing changed her mind and wanted her job back. They gave it to her since she was a good and long standing employee. If my current... View More

Rhiannon Herbert
Rhiannon Herbert
answered on May 17, 2022

While a review of the document you signed would be necessary to answer this question, job offer letters are usually not considered enforceable contracts. As a result, an employer can rescind a job offer for any reason, even if the employee has already signed an offer letter.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Texas on
Q: Husband's work asking for doctor's note to be changed to reflect all dates he was absent. Is this legal?

Basically, husband works for state and has tons of sick time. He used some and brought a doctor's note that said he could return next day. He was still sick and didn't come back til day after. Now they are threatening to write him up if he cannot provide a doctor's note to... View More

Rhiannon Herbert
Rhiannon Herbert
answered on May 3, 2022

Yes, employers are permitted to require documentation supporting the illness or injury if the employee takes time away from work due to an illness or injury.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Texas on
Q: Can employer terminate you for missing 2 days of work due to not being paid ? I’m full time get paid biweekly hourly

My check was late so I didn’t show up for my shift for 2 days and was let go even though I wasn’t compensated for the hours worked the previous 2 weeks. One manager said I wasn’t and the other said I was

Rhiannon Herbert
Rhiannon Herbert
answered on Apr 26, 2022

Your employer is permitted to terminate your employment in this situation, but they are still responsible for paying you for the time you have worked.

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law, Contracts and Employment Law for Texas on
Q: Can an employer deduct taxes from a settlement? Employer agrees to pay 3,000 in damages instead pays 2,500 after taxes

I presented my employer proof of employment discrimination and signed an agreement to receive money and not pursue a lawsuit. I was deposited less than the money agreed. The company claimed they deposited less because they withheld taxes from the net pay.

Linda Simmons Campbell
Linda Simmons Campbell
answered on Feb 17, 2022

If the settlement replaces lost wages those funds are taxable.

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation and Employment Law for Texas on
Q: My manager wants me to perform two different job positions with a different level of pay without compensation for it.

During the past year, I have been asked to perform multiple duties that higher-level employees perform. I have asked for a promotion and was denied. According to my new manager, I don't do enough to be a team player that deserves a promotion. I have been performing all the extra duties I have... View More

Rhiannon Herbert
Rhiannon Herbert
answered on Feb 16, 2022

There is no limit to the number of job duties or responsibilities your employer can assign you. If you are paid by the hour, however, you must receive pay for all the hours you work, and you must receive overtime pay (1.5 times your hourly rate) for all hours worked over 40 per week. If you are... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Texas on
Q: I need l feel i was fired for stating complaint about another manager feel retaliation was the reason what can i do
Carrie Dyer
Carrie Dyer
answered on Jan 26, 2022

More information is needed to answer your question. The type of complaint you made about another manager is relevant. If you made a "protected complaint," and were terminated because of your complaint, then you may have a claim for retaliation. You should contact an employment attorney... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Texas on
Q: If HR notifies an employee of the amount of PTO they can they come back later and change it?

I'm a cancer patient. I sent an email to my HR rep asking if she had calculated my PTO. Her reply was you have 28.69 days. I was told I could use them in connection with flma which was required. 4 days later I'm told that I don't have any and the coming Friday will be the last... View More

Carrie Dyer
Carrie Dyer
answered on Jan 19, 2022

It sounds like there is some confusion within the HR department if you are getting conflicting information. Do you have a copy of the company handbook that explains the accrual of PTO? Are there other income options for you to consider while you're out on FMLA leave, such as short-term... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Texas on
Q: My Mother has worked at a nursing home for 20+years recently they have her working no days off for 4 months what do we

She has worked there for so long.Since working nonstop she has had no days off,sick days, a raise nothing to be compensated for. She is 60 years old. What can we do?

Rhiannon Herbert
Rhiannon Herbert
answered on Dec 29, 2021

There are no laws that place limits on how much an employee can be scheduled to work. Other than submitting a written request for a reduction in her hours, there isn't much that can be done here. However, if your mother is paid by the hour, she must receive overtime pay for all hours she works... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI and Employment Law for Texas on
Q: can someone be fired for a dwi, yet others in their job field received the same charge and were not fired?

civil service employee charged with dwi off duty. is being told she is to be terminated as per collective bargaining agreement. per CBA they are subject to termination. however, previous dwi accounts concerning other employees over the last year did not result in termination

Penny Wymyczak-White
Penny Wymyczak-White
answered on Dec 7, 2021

You can be fired if that is part of the agreement. Retain a lawyer and try to get the DWI dismissed .

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Employment Law for Texas on
Q: I was hit by a customer in my store because I refused his service .i hit him back now he's filing on me

Yes I did grab coffee pot without thought I had bruise on my face and he a gash on his head. My leg is hurt . I lost my job behind this my boss reported incident to big boss but nothing was done ...even still customer allowed to return. Feel like I have no rights I get harassed and he gets file... View More

Vonnie Clay Dones III
PREMIUM
Vonnie Clay Dones III
answered on Dec 1, 2021

You should hire a criminal defense attorney to defend you in this matter. From your statement, you may a have a valid argument for self-defense.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for Texas on
Q: Can an employer make employees come to work in a good mood when an employee has mental health issues?

Do I need to discuss my mental health issues with my employer?

Teri A. Walter
Teri A. Walter
answered on Dec 1, 2021

I have no idea how an employer would enforce a requirement to "come to work in a good mood," but they could certainly insist on certain behaviors which might suggest that a person is in a good mood, such as being polite to customers or co-workers, greeting customers at the door, smiling... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Texas on
Q: Can an employer deny a request for unpaid PTO?

I am a healthcare professional under contract which entitles me to 80 hrs of vacation PTOs. But there are certain instances that they wont allow for more than 80 consecutive hrs PTO (even unpaid) because of problems with coverage. Can an employer deny this request even if the excess hours are... View More

Rhiannon Herbert
Rhiannon Herbert
answered on Nov 24, 2021

Yes. There are no laws that govern what employers can do regarding scheduling, as long as you are paid for all hours that you work.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Texas on
Q: I tested negative twice with at home covid tests and my work asked for actual lab results. Can they do that?

Are at home negative tests proof enough?

Carrie Dyer
Carrie Dyer
answered on Nov 17, 2021

Yes, your employer can require test results from a lab.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Civil Rights, Employment Discrimination and Health Care Law for Texas on
Q: is it legal for my employer to ask if i've been vaccinated? We have to take a "mandatory" survey

i don't think i should be forced to voluntarily provide medical information

Carrie Dyer
Carrie Dyer
answered on Nov 10, 2021

Yes, nothing prohibits your employer from asking whether you are vaccinated.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Workers' Compensation for Texas on
Q: I was hurt on the job .was seen by a door over the phone witch said I had a sprained hip and sent me back to work with

Sent me back to work no restrictions. I tried but am in a large amount of pain what can I do???

Carrie Dyer
Carrie Dyer
answered on Oct 27, 2021

You should ask for a second opinion by a different medical provider. Then, you should provide that paperwork, including any restrictions you are given, to your employer.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for Texas on
Q: Can an employer fire a employee for not getting enough Google reviews from customers?

Example, an employee is required to get 10 customer reviews a month. The employee asks 84 customers for reviews but only 6 respond. Is that grounds for termination when the completion of the goal requires a third party participant to follow through?

Carrie Dyer
Carrie Dyer
answered on Oct 20, 2021

Yes. If you are an at-will employee, your employer can terminate you for any reason or no reason, even if it is unfair. Unless you have an employment contract stating otherwise, your employer can terminate you for failing to get the requisite number of customer reviews - even though the goal is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Insurance Defense and Personal Injury for Texas on
Q: If I go back to work and get hurt again in my neck or back would I be able to sue for injury at the new job

I have had neck and back surgery and my attorney told me to go back to work in my field my field is construction

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 20, 2021

A Texas attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. Based on your description, it does not look like a personal injury matter involving suing, but more likely a workers' comp claim. If the attorney you mention is handling your workers' comp claim, they would... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for Texas on
Q: In January I filed an EEOC complaint against my employer. In September, I was terminated. Do I have a legal recourse?

I had no progressive discipline and the only reason I was given was a loss of confidence.

Rhiannon Herbert
Rhiannon Herbert
answered on Oct 19, 2021

More information is needed here. However, filing an EEOC charge against your employer is called a "protected activity," meaning you cannot be retaliated against based on your choice to file the charge. If, after you filed your charge, you noticed your employer started treating you... View More

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