question about employee rights in regards to relocation

[Soylent Brice]

I have a coworker (we'll call her X) who is a very hard worker who was recently transferred to another facility in a neighboring state. They did not give her a choice in this decision. This transfer has doubled her commute. The reason given was geography stating she was closer than any other employees at her facility. This is where shit gets fucked up.

When she explained this to me and a few other coworkers another coworker (we'll call her Y) stated they were moving much closer to this other facility and would love to go there instead. When X and Y both approached management about the switch they denied it without any reason.

My question is can they legally force an employee to work in another state without a choice like this? Keep in mind, this company does not have any kind of transfer contract. There is no legal obligation whatsoever between our employer and employees of this nature whatsoever.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

[mysuzuki2]

1. I'll be the first to say this. No they can't make her go. But

they don't have to keep her employed either. If I were her I would go to whoever she ultimately reports to and explain that this move will cost her money and time in travel costs. I would attempt to negotiate an appropriate salary increase to compensate. If they are decent they should try to do something for her.

[Tesha]

2. Sure, in the absence of a contract saying otherwise, it's perfectly legal.

It's a common way for employers to "discourage"
employees. IBMers used to joke that the initials
of their employer stood for "I've Been Moved".

Tesha

[pennylane100]

3. Is she a member of a union.

That would be the only way she would be able to fight the move, or unless she was working under some kind of contract. Workers have very few rights in this country and it is only going to get worse.

[Soylent Brice]

4. no, unfortunately we are not union.

Just your run of the mill corporate whores.