Anyone else forced to work Saturdays if they call in sick during the week?… Illinois

Employment Law Forum
1

I’ve been working in a union job for 36 years, but now, in my post-retirement, I’m driving a truck at a non-union job. Here’s what’s bugging me: younger employees who call in sick during the week are told they have to work a Saturday to make up for that sick day; even though we’re only supposed to work Monday to Friday. They’re still docked a sick day, too. I’m in Illinois and tried looking up labor laws, but I couldn’t find anything on this. Is this even allowed?

2

If they’re getting paid for the Saturday and scheduling rules are followed, I don’t see a legal issue with it.

3

Murphy said:
If they’re getting paid for the Saturday and scheduling rules are followed, I don’t see a legal issue with it.

They’re still getting their sick day docked, though. Say they’re allowed 5 sick days; they still lose one, even though they’re forced to come in on Saturday. And that Saturday pay isn’t overtime. Sure, it’s a bit more on the paycheck, but they lose a sick day, and if they run out, there’s discipline. Doesn’t seem right to me.

4

@Thorne
Sick time usually doesn’t count as hours worked for overtime calculations.

5

Arin said:
@Thorne
Sick time usually doesn’t count as hours worked for overtime calculations.

Right, but if I’m coming in and making 40 hours that week, why should I still lose the sick day? That’s the part that doesn’t sit well with me.

6

@Thorne
But technically you didn’t lose it if you got paid for it. I’ve seen some places handle it both ways. If they don’t take the sick day, it can encourage folks to just make up hours on Saturday… but employers usually want people there Monday-Friday.

7

Are they at least getting paid for the Saturday shift, or are they docked a sick day and then expected to work Saturday for free?

8

Yeah, you could refuse to work Saturday, but the employer could fire you for that too. It’s a tough call.

9

Yep, they can do this.

10

Greer said:
Yep, they can do this.

So, you’re saying it’s legal?

11

Thorne said:

Greer said:
Yep, they can do this.

So, you’re saying it’s legal?

I feel like if I answer, we’ll just keep going in circles. You asked one question, friend.

12

@Greer
Alright, fair enough. No need to get snappy.