Legal Advice for Employees | Legal Aid Clinic

Questioner

Have been working as a car mechanic for 35 years with pleasure. A new workshop manager arrived 5 months ago. There have been problems from the start. I have been wearing a lab coat for 20 years, but the gentleman indicated that I should wear overalls from now on, just like the rest of the mechanics. He ordered them and today demanded that I put them on immediately while I was working. I indicated that I was working now, whereupon he said that I could go. He shouted after me that it would be deducted from my days off. I wonder if it is best to call in sick now (I don't feel able to go to work normally tomorrow). I also wonder if it is legal for him to deduct this from my days off?? Do you have any advice?? Yours sincerely, Mr Wim

Lawyer

In answering your question, it should be noted that there is a relationship of authority between you and your employer (in the person of your boss). In that context, your employer can impose requirements on you, as a car mechanic, regarding wearing work clothes. That does not mean that the action of your boss as you have described is appropriate and desirable. Simply sending you away because you do not immediately put on different clothes is a somewhat exaggerated action. I do not think there is a legal basis for withholding vacation days. I advise you to discuss or keep this open. In any case, I advise you not to report yourself sick.