FOUR OR FIVE WORKDAYS

Hi,

This is the situation: I work for a mid-sized healthcare organization in New York City. Today we were informed that our work hours would be reduced: work 4 days for 4 days pay or work 5 days for 4 days pay. This, however, applies only to individuals who earn over $20k. Ordinarily I would not have a problem with this if it were applied across the board. However, segregating employees based on salary concerns me. Is this legal? I appreciate your response to this matter.

(Healthcare Worker)

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Dear Healthcare Worker,

A mid-sized company usually has lawyers review all elements of change in work conditions as a matter of course. The examples of "segregating" employees are endless. Different pay for different job slots: parking privileges, stock options, overtime pay or fixed salary, executive perks, part time/ full time status, retirement programs, to name a few.

Climbing the salary ladder often means "playing the game." If you are going to make occupational decisions on your personal ethics prepare to be recognized as a troublemaker - passed over when positions open up.

Gender, age and sexual orientation discrimination are generally acknowledged as "illegal" policies. Setting work hours is not. If you are going to dig in your heels against company policy, get a qualified legal opinion for the particular situation in question. Acting on your instincts can affect your immediate employment circumstances and your resume going forward.

If you are unhappy about your work conditions, seek employment elsewhere. The marketplace is the ultimate determiner of work conditions and compensation.

Set your priorities. Do want to be a martyr for a cause real, ethical or imagined or keep a wise eye on your occupational future. Better to climb the ladder, acquire knowledge and experience, establish a personal economic and power base - then fight your ethical war.

Jimism: "Kindness - but kindness from power."

Everybody's Uncle