Is it legal for an employer to force you to skip a college class?

Question

I have one year remaining before completing my Bachelor's Degree.  Beginning in August, I will begin my next to last semester, and my office will lose one full time staff person.  We are a busy public office that is open until 9PM four days a week.  If by some chance one of my coworkers is sick or has an emergency, and the other coworker cannot work until 9PM that would only leave me.  However, I have two evening classes in beginning in August which I do not want to skip unless it is necessary because I am ill or have an emergency.  

Does my employer have any legal ground to force me to skip my classes in order to work until our office closes?  Please provide legal code if you can.  

Much appreciated!

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

You are obligated to work the hours your employer requires - unless you have an employment contract that explicitly states otherwise.  Scheduling your classes around your employment is your problem to solve - not your employer's.  There is no "legal entitlement" to time off for classes.

A Hunch · Answer

Your employer can't force you to work.
Your employer can terminate your employment if you are unable to work the hours they need you to.

If you are a non-union employee, the labor code is called "at will employment"
If you are a union employee, there will be a clause in the union contract.

Judy · Answer

Force you?  Like lock you in the building and not let you out?  No.

Can they schedule you to work at a time when you have a class, and fire you if you don't work, yes.

YOU work for THEM,. not the other way around.  If you can't or won't work when they schedule you, tthey don't have to keep you.

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Is it legal for an employer to force you to skip a college class?

3 Answers