A Friend of mine has been told to come into work in the weekend (things are really busy), but this friend has already had appointments to make on Saturday, as well as Church on Sunday. but was basically threatened with "come to work on Saturday and Sunday or you're fired"

is this legal? i thought that you're not even supposed to be able to work on Sunday?(except u work by a railway or something) I know i (of my own violation) sometimes have to do some work on Sunday (in my laptop typing away checking system status)

but im appaled by a seaming injustice.

My first question is, "is the boss American?"

Does it happen all the time? If it's a one-off, I'd say just suck it up and do it. While I was doing my master's, I had to work every Saturday and Sunday while also spending Monday to Friday with my head stuck in books (oh yeah, and Saturday and Sunday eveings when I got back from my crappy minimum wage job). I don't think one weeked will kill your friend. Doesn't hurt to do a favour for the boss either...

He could ask his boss if he can have some time off in lieu this or next week to get his Saturday errands done. Maybe he could nip out to an early church service on Sunday morning - don't some churches have a service at 7 or 8?

I agree with Kamarate, too. Showing willing to go the extra mile now and again helps facilitate more of a give-and-take attitude with d'management.

As long as I would be treated fair and compensated accordingly, I would no hesitate to go the extra mile in order to help out. For instance, there was a shortage of workers at the storage facility along with some other mishap and I went to help shifting palets and re-arrange stock. It is not part of my job description, but I did it regardless.

If it's not in their contract to work weekends (especially Sunday), then they shouldn't have to (not researched - may vary Cantonally).

However, if they refuse to work, they may be within their rights, but it would be a huge black mark against them. Whether there is any legitimacy in the idle threat of firing them is questionable, too ................ but, unfair dismissal, lawyers, tribunals, - don't even go there.

If it's a one-off, then the should bite the bullet, and take a hit for the team (and not become the fat kid left out on the bench).

As already mentioned, they should try to get some compensatory pay/time off in lieu.

If it starts to become a regular thing, then they should ask to re-negotiate their contract, to their benefit.


[My local church (Roman origin) fires-up it's bells from 6.00am onwards to call the faithful to repent, before they sin on the Sabbath.]

In general work contracts in switzerland oblige the employee to assist the employer with reasonable amounts of overtime if needed. However, there are special rules regarding public (religious) holidays and sundays. You may find this reference helps, but I can't advise on a specific case.

http://w3.jura.ch/ltr/Traduction/dimand.htm

Note though that is specific to canton Jura.