My wife works in a restaurant, and the power-tripping manager has instituted a new policy where all shift changes must be approved by management. I think that is reasonable enough, but they’re also asking the originally-scheduled employee why they are switching shifts, then approving or denying based on the answer.

For example, her coworker (Tom) wanted Monday afternoon off, and Harry agreed to cover the shift. The manager asked Tom why he wanted Harry to work for him, and Tom said, “I have a softball game.” Manager denied the shift change because it was “unnecessary”.

Is this legal? I feel like if you’re able to find someone to cover your shift, you don’t owe management any explanation why you need the time off. How should my wife approach this situation? Colorado, USA BTW.

    • Ghostalmedia@lemmy.world
      1·
      1 year ago

      Correct, non sick leave is usually considered discretionary time off; meaning, it’s at the discretion of the manager to approve it.

      That said, this manager sounds like a nut job. It’s legal to be a hard ass, but people don’t have to remain working for you.

      • atzanteol@sh.itjust.works
        1·
        1 year ago

        Christ are we going to be having “hippa”(sic) arguments again?

        You can refuse to answer - I sure would. Or just say you have an appointment. Being asked is not illegal.

        Then I assume the jerk will just deny your request.

        • ryathal@sh.itjust.works
          1·
          1 year ago

          People think hippa is magical medical privacy. It has fuck all to do with telling your manager anything. It only applies to medical professionals or those who may see your records as part of their job. If your manager also processes insurance claims, then it applies, otherwise it’s not different than telling a neighbor.

      • Ghostalmedia@lemmy.world
        0·
        1 year ago

        That would be a violation, but it is perfectly m legal to ask if someone is going on generic “sick” or “medical” time off or leave. Every company I’ve ever worked for has had be declare my PTO as sick leave or discretionary time off. And the latter is what it means, it’s at the discretion of the manager to approve it.

        • Slatlun@lemmy.ml
          1·
          1 year ago

          Sorry but most restaurant work doesn’t come with paid time off or sick leave. You either work and get paid or don’t work and don’t get paid.