{"id":357821,"date":"2020-03-31T08:46:07","date_gmt":"2020-03-31T13:46:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/can-my-boss-reduce-my-work-hours-with-no-notice.html"},"modified":"2025-04-02T23:40:00","modified_gmt":"2025-04-03T04:40:00","slug":"can-my-boss-reduce-my-work-hours-with-no-notice","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/can-my-boss-reduce-my-work-hours-with-no-notice.html","title":{"rendered":"Can My Boss Reduce My Work Hours With No Notice?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Can My Boss Reduce My Work Hours With No Notice?<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Employer hour reduction can be a major concern for nonexempt and at-will employees. For significant hour cutbacks, the WARN Act requires a 60-day notice if hours are reduced by 50% for a period of six months or more. Understanding these rules can help employees navigate their rights and eligibility for unemployment benefits.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Whether you work full time or part time, you should expect to maintain a regular schedule. Most of us depend on our weekly or biweekly paychecks to pay our bills. It is more than frustrating when your employer cuts your hours out of the blue. It can be terrifying.<\/p>\n

You need to work your scheduled hours to maintain a consistent income and plan your personal life. If your boss has significantly cut your hours without notice, a local employment law attorney<\/a> can review your situation and advise on next steps.<\/p>\n

Many people wonder whether this is legal. Can your employer cut your hours without notice? Even if they give you notice, it still seems unfair.<\/p>\n

Here, we’ll explain your rights regarding the hours you work. We’ll also briefly explain what you should do if your employer cuts your hours.<\/p>\n

General Rules Regarding Reduction of Hours<\/h2>\n

Employment law governs your employer’s ability to reduce your hours. Whether you have an employment contract or not, there are specific rules your employer must follow. For example, they cannot pay you less than the federal minimum wage<\/a>. They also have to abide by the state and federal labor laws.<\/p>\n

When it comes to your employer cutting your hours, many factors come into play. For instance, companies can legally cut the hours of nonexempt and at-will employees<\/a>. They can also put these employees on furlough. But, in most situations, your employer must tell you (in advance) that they are cutting your hours.<\/p>\n

The amount of advance notice varies by state. It also depends on your employment status. Finally, the courts would consider the issues the company is facing (such as closing down) and current economic trends.<\/p>\n

Exceptions to Reduced Hours<\/h2>\n

The Department of Labor Wage and Hours treats certain types of workers differently. Essentially, there are two types of employees — exempt and nonexempt. Exempt employees tend to work on salary. They aren’t paid overtime and receive the same amount each pay period, regardless of their work hours.<\/p>\n

Nonexempt employees typically work on an hourly basis. They receive pay for the specific number of hours they work. Employers must also pay nonexempt workers overtime if they work more than 40 hours per week\/eight hours per day.<\/p>\n

Exempt employees<\/a> have a set salary and must receive their full pay. Even if a company has them work fewer hours due to a lack of available work, exempt employees will still receive their full pay.<\/p>\n

This means that nonexempt employees are the only ones who would typically file a claim for unfairly reduced hours.<\/p>\n

(Note: Union members<\/a> or contract employees<\/a> may also be exempt from reduced hours.)<\/p>\n

The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act<\/h2>\n

Federal law protects some workers from having their hours cut without warning. One such law is the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN<\/a>). This law requires employers to give you at least 60 days’ notice<\/a> before they cut your hours. But, this law only applies when a company reduces employee hours by 50% or more.<\/p>\n

The WARN Act rules only apply to certain companies and positions. Specifically, they apply to the following:<\/p>\n