Can they force us to work holidays?

I work in an industry that for part of the year requires long hours.

Unfortunately, these long hours are usually during the holiday season. This year for Thanksgiving we are allowed to take a vacation day for the day after Thanksgiving and then required to work on Saturday. Can they really do this? Also, later in the season we have scheduled work hours during the weekend to take support calls along with our regular 40 hour work week. Is the company required to give us comp days for these extra hours since they are scheduled and we have no choice but to work them?

Rita Risser's Response:

An employer can have any holiday plan it wants, or no holidays at all. If the employer promises to give you comp time for holidays worked, double-time for those days, or promises to make some other arrangements, then they have to do what they promised. But they don't have to promise you anything at all. From a legal perspective, if you don't like it, you have the right to quit.

Disclaimer: This information is provided with the understanding that the author and publisher are not engaged in rendering legal or other professional services. The publishers disclaim any liability, loss or risk incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this information. This information is not a substitute for the advice of a competent legal or other professional person.