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 have a co-worker who says her reason for the time off request is always gynecology related. Bosses never ask questions.
“Good morning boss, I need two weeks off for gynecology-related activities”.
You could be having a baby, that falls into the scope.
Or trying to make one on the beach in Fiji with a partner or a local.
Or spending the week in bed, flicking the bean.
How about a partner and a local - Belts and Suspenders, and you only get one two-week shot at this.
It’s time to give up this dream, you never even went to med school
I need a leave for my pap exam.
Denied.
Why?
You’re a man.
Gender discrimination reported to corporate headquarters.
Yeah the policy OP described just creates a culture where people lie about why they need time off 😆
It’s not school - if someone agrees to cover the shift, just let em
“You don’t have to elaborate… Please don’t elaborate, but we are going to need a doctor’s note.”
E: apparently in the US it’s only legal for a company to require a doctors note if three or more consecutive absence days are taken.