Legal Question in Employment Law in New York

Time Off

I have been at my job for six months. I work for a ''Family Friendly'' company...''The company for Women''. My husband is a first responder during 9/11 and has been hospitalized twice in one year. This past August he went in again, and my boss told me to take as much time as I needed. I took 8 days off.

Yesterday when I came in...after taking the day off because my sitter was sick, she told me ''if i am the point person in my family for everything, then I should find another alternative, or find a new job. she also told me ''this is an 8:30-5:30 company'', but when she hired me she told me this was a 9-5 job and the papers I signed stated 9-5pm. She told me I now HAVE to come in at 8:30 and I can no longer leave early for things that pertain to my family...blah, blah, blah...should I go to HR???

She also told me I don't get my job done, which I TOTALLY disagree with...I am a GREAT worker...I don't even take lunch and do what I have to do to get the job done.


Asked on 10/17/07, 9:30 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Jason Stern Law Offices of Jason Stern

Re: Time Off

Most cosmetic companies are not truly "family friendly." The women who get ahead in these corporate environments do so because of their willingness to sacrifice their families.

That being said, your work schedule is somewhat dependent on two things: (1) Your status as an exempt or non-exempt employee; and (2) What exactly the "papers" you signed said.

I can tell you that HR Departments at these companies are not your friends or confidants. If you believe you have a legitimate FLSA overtime/wage issue or believe that your company is in breach of a signed agreement, you would be best served by speaking with an attorney before going to HR.

If I can be of further assistance, you may contact my office via email or FLSAattorney.com.

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Answered on 10/17/07, 1:07 pm


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