Is refusing overtime insubordination?
Q. Despite being given two hours’ notice, an employee refused to work overtime at the end of his shift because he said he had plans to attend his son’s Little League game. Is this insubordination? — Jim, Ohio
A. Yes. Employers have the right to set their employees’ work schedules and to hold accountable those who refuse. While it may seem unfair to make employees miss their children’s activities, it would also not be fair to the employer if every employee were allowed to refuse to work overtime for their “good reasons.”
