When you accept a job, you are generally accepting it based on the terms and conditions that were described to you in the interview. If you signed a contract, these terms and conditions were most likely part of that contract. It may include your scope of work, your hours, the location where you will work, and the pay and benefits of your position.
Unless it’s specified in your contract or employment agreement, your employer can change the terms of your employment at any time. This could mean requiring overtime-as long as it’s legally compensated-changing your work load, changing your hours or your title. Since West Virginia is an at-will employment state, failure to comply with the change in terms means your employer can terminate you if they wish, and it’s completely legal to do so.
There are some instances when your employer cannot change the terms of your employment. If you have an employment contract with start and end dates, or if you are part of a union, your employment duties may not change. Your employer may also not change your duties because of any reason that constitutes discrimination. That is, if you believe your employer has given you a heavier workload due to your age, sex, race, national origin, religion, disability or another protected reason, you may have a case for discrimination.
If you have been the target of workplace harassment, discrimination or unfair termination, Bouchillon, Crossan & Colburn, L.C. represents clients in federal court and before the EEOC, MSPB and in state and union grievance hearings.
Our attorneys have more than 35 years dedicated to giving clients the attention, advice, support and empowerment they need to effectively meet their goals. We are committed to the principle that all persons shall have equal justice under the law. Call Bouchillon, Crossan & Colburn, L.C. at 304-523-8451 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.