My wife works in a restaurant, and the power-tripping manager has instituted a new policy where all shift changes must be approved by management. I think that is reasonable enough, but they’re also asking the originally-scheduled employee why they are switching shifts, then approving or denying based on the answer.
For example, her coworker (Tom) wanted Monday afternoon off, and Harry agreed to cover the shift. The manager asked Tom why he wanted Harry to work for him, and Tom said, “I have a softball game.” Manager denied the shift change because it was “unnecessary”.
Is this legal? I feel like if you’re able to find someone to cover your shift, you don’t owe management any explanation why you need the time off. How should my wife approach this situation? Colorado, USA BTW.
I’m assuming you’re USian?
The question almost anywhere else in the wealthy world is why would it be legal? The manager does not need to know therefore the manager has no right to ask.
No that’s the case in the US too. I never ask why my employee wants time off, I don’t need to know any more about their personal lives, they tell me too much already…
Yes I’m in the US and I gave US-centric advice because OP is in US.
We all know US has shit labor laws. Although to be fair, I think in this scenario it would work the same way in ny home country of Brazil. When you want to switch you’re essentially saying “I’m not showing up to my shift”
I’m not sure in what country that isn’t insubordination and isn’t subject to legal penalties by the employer.
Do you understand what a “switch” is?
I’m thinking you don’t. “I’m not showing up to my shift but I have someone to cover for me” is still “I’m not showing up to my shift”
No it isn’t. But you know that.