Legal Question in Employment Law in Florida

Change of availabily in 24 hour workplace

I had worked for a large company as a associate for the past 6 months.I was hired on a full time basis and had done well in my 90 review and recieved a raise.I had worked in other departments when needed and always had overtime.I am a single mother and widow.From day one they kept scheduling me nights & weekends,with the promise that in time they will accomidate me with a better schedule.Recently my avaiability changed because of child care.I was told I would have to go part time 8 to 16 hours weekly.In the past 6 months I watched them accomidate others,who had open availability ,for reasons such as there personal lives.Now I was recieving 16 hours weekly and some shifts where out of my availability.Last week I was told that that was my last week with no explanation.I feel that they are predijuce against single mothers.I did double the work my coworker did.I suggested I go to another dept that had opening ,this store is open 24/7, but no luck.This is a company that preaches how your family comes first and nobody just quits which I did not.They are against union and and I have used there open door policy about this which was a waste of time


Asked on 2/24/05, 11:41 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Keith Stern Shavitz Law Group

Re: Change of availabily in 24 hour workplace

Florida and federal law prohibit gender/sex discrimination such that if your gender/sex (which would include your status as a single mother) was a basis for why you were treated differently, it would be illegal. Please feel free to contact me via email or at (561) 447-888 for further assistance.

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Answered on 2/27/05, 1:52 pm

Re: Change of availabily in 24 hour workplace

It would be a violation of the law for your employer to discriminate, that is adversly affect your employment, on the basis that you are a single mother. That would be discrimination directed toward a specific class of women. However, you do not provide enough facts for me to fully evaluate your case. I suggest you check out the EEOC web site at www.eeoc.gov for information on gender discrimination, how to file a charge of discrimination, and speak with a local employment atttorney in your area. Be aware that in Florida there are specific time limits with in which you have the right to file a charge.

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Answered on 2/26/05, 10:45 am


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