Is it Legal for Employers to “Call You Off” 2 Hours Before Your Shift Starts in Florida?

Every other week, my General Manager (GM) informs me via message to be on “night off” a couple of hours before I am supposed to start my shift. Is this legal? What can I do about it?

Current Scenario

It's happening almost every other week, and it's becoming a bit frustrating. While I don't know if it's illegal, I would suggest securing a job with reliable employers who respect their employees' time. If an employer starts to use this tactic, you can respond by stating that you need a 24-hour notice if you are to be called off. If they continue to plead, you might want to enforce this newfound policy to ensure fairness both ways.

Legal Perspective and Recommendations

From a legal standpoint, calling off employees just before the shift is supposed to start is generally legal. While Florida is not a worker-friendly state, employers do have the right to determine their employees' schedules and shift lengths. Therefore, if your employer is providing such short notice, they might not be breaking any specific laws.

However, if every other week is becoming a norm, you might want to consider finding a job with a more predictable schedule. Employers are expected to provide a reasonable work schedule to ensure that employees can plan their lives. If the employer is unable to meet this expectation, moving on to a new job could be a better option.

Handling the Situation: A Shift Worker's Perspective

Legal Standing: While it might be legal, this practice could still be viewed as unethical or unprofessional. You can address this issue by clearly communicating your concerns to your employer. You could point out that you need a 24-hour notice for such calls off. If your employer still cannot adhere to this, you have the right to seek employment elsewhere.

Employee Rights: As an employee, you have the right to expect a certain level of predictability and respect from your employer. If your employer is consistently using this tactic, it might be a sign that the work environment is not supportive. You can approach the situation by stating, "I need a predictable amount of income or I can't continue to work here. I am not going to be your last choice. It's time for somebody else to take a turn."

Conclusion: While this situation is legal, it might not be the best work environment for you. You have the right to find a more stable and supportive work situation. If you're not satisfied, moving to a job with a more predictable schedule is a viable option.

Additional Recommendations

Before taking any action, it's important to evaluate your current situation. If this practice continues, you might want to:

Communicate with your employer: Express your concerns and demand at least a 24-hour notice. Explore job opportunities: Look for jobs that offer a more predictable work schedule. Consider relocation: If work environments in Florida are not to your liking, you may want to consider moving to a state that is more worker-friendly.

Conclusion

While short notice before shifts is legal under Florida labor laws, it may not be the best situation for your work life. You have the right to request a more respectful and predictable work schedule. If your current employer continues to ignore your requests, it may be time to seek employment elsewhere. Whether you decide to inform your employer of your need for a 24-hour notice or move to a new job, you are within your rights to ensure that your work life aligns with your personal and professional goals.