Once you start work can an employer send you home early?

Answer 1

It depends on the reason they send you home early. If it's due to a change in schedule, unforeseen problems with the company that happen (power outage, etc.), that's okay and legal.

Point is, it has to be a valid and legal reason to do so - labor laws today are pretty specific on how companies (union or not) can treat employees. Anytime someone tells you to go home early, don't take their word for it - you make sure it's authorized by the company's HR department or whoever the most senior person is there. Most lower level supervisors don't have that kind of authority, but most employees don't know any better either. In some cases, bad supervisors will tell you to go home without any reason, or will they document it. They can then come back and say you left work without prior authorization, which then becomes a reason for termination.

Always read through any employee handbook as to what the procedures are for employees going home. Companies by law must have HR procedures in place for employees, and those must be made available.

If someone sends you home because they think you might be sick or can't do your job because they think your health might be at risk, that's not their decision either - if you're cleared by your doctor to work and they say no, it's a form of discrimination.

You can research the labor laws for your state at Findlaw.com.

Answer 2

Yes, your employer can send you home early. Your employed by him therefor your pretty much at his disposal.

Answer 3

Do you get a full days pay after working 2 and 1/2 hrs. and your supervisor sends you home, stating that she can't find the doctor's statement.

Answer 4

Yes, if both days are within the same work week. You only get overtime if you work more than 40 hours in the same week.