I am a teacher for a vocational college in Corpus Christi which is owned by a large corporation. In early January, I signed an employee agreement that outlined my ability to receive health benefits, even though I would only be working approxomately 20 hours a week. My hours have now increased to 24+ hours per week, but I have just been informed that I will be losing my employment benefits at the end of this month , since I don't have the necessary number of hours for health benefits. I am now wondering if this is indeed legal. If I have to abide by the terms of the employee agreement, doesn't my employer have that obligation as well?Please advise soon, as time is running out, and I have medical conditions that requite me to be under a doctor's care and to take medications.
Thank you-
Deborah Johnson
Generally speaking your written contract will control this issue. However, you should definitely seek legal counsel to review the contract. Do not delay. If you are an at-will employee and you do not take appropriate steps their unilateral change of the benefits may change the contract you have. Best of luck.