I live in AL....so the question I ask is pertinent

[OwnedByFerrets]

to this state.....I believe that each state has its own rules on things like this. My employer has changed my status from salary to hourly so that they can send me home when we are slow and not have to pay me for it. The also CUT my benefits without consultation.
I have hundreds of hours of comp time that I will be losing AND, now, I cant take off work for any reason without losing pay. I, like so many others, live paycheck to paycheck so a lesser paycheck is very detrimental.
Is there a organization that I can call or email with my questions? The AL Labor board is so overwhelmed, its almost impossible to get help from them.
thanks

[eyesroll]

1. If the comp time was part of your compensation, you're owed it.

If that comp time was unofficial, more of a courtesy, then it may be fuzzier.

Call an employment lawyer. I worked/still work for one in Wisconsin. You can usually get at least a phone consult for free or next to nothing.

As for whether your employer can change your status to hourly -- most likely, yes. It's the other way around (when people try to make cashiers and janitors salaried so they can refuse to pay overtime) that's usually the problem.

Keep in mind if you end up working more than 40 hours you'll likely be entitled to overtime.

And as for the benefit cuts -- if they took away something you earned, you're entitled to it. But if they cut your benefits going forward, that's their right (assuming they didn't cut out something mandated by the goverment -- like they're not paying social security on your behalf-- and they gave you appropriate notice, which also varies by the state and plan).

Basically, in most states, the only rights we have are to be paid minimum wage per hour, to be paid overtime if we qualify, and to not be fired because of race, sex, religion, and national origin.

[OwnedByFerrets]

2. Thank you for your reply....nt