We're hearing from viewers who can't go to work because their employer's business is closed by the storm.
Tadd Bogan with Jones Gotcher Attorneys says "Employees seem kind of powerless so they're frustrated by that."
People want to know if their workplace isn't open do they get paid, anyway, or in the event of an extended closure are they due unemployment benefits?
We went to the
State Department of Labor and an attorney to get the answers. And unfortunately the answer to both questions is -- no.
It is frustrating both for the businesses losing money because they can't open and the employees who are missing their paychecks.
The Department of Labor says employees can chose to use their vacation or sick days to get paid.
Otherwise the law is generally on the employer's side according to Bogan "Unless their company policy or contract provided otherwise they really would be just out of luck."
So read your employee handbook for bad weather provisions, check the wording in employment contracts and if you're in a union ask your rep about your rights.
