Can I be demoted?

[mvacas]

I wanted to know if I can de demoted and have my wages reduced? This is my situation. I started as a receptionist 3 yrs ago and since then have be promoted several times. Just two months ago the receptionist got fired because she was going into surgery and the owner said they needed someone here full time. they got someone to replace her. Three weeks ago they sent the receptionst to another dept. and left me to do my job plus answer phones. I was told then it was temporary and now i find out it is more than just temporary it's going to be for a long time. I never got a raise nor was I asked if I wanted to take on the extra responsibility. I feel that the owner is trying to piss me off so that I would quit, he can't fire me because he has no just cuase and he doesn't want me to collect unemployment. When I mentioned that I had enough responsibilty with my job alone and that they need to hire a receptionist or at least give me a pay increase they said that if I couldn't handle the work they would just put me back as recetionist. If they do this can the reduce my pay? Can they demote me just because I am asking for a raise. Help I am really stressed out about this and I hope you can answer my questions

[LConnell]

Unfortunately for you, an employer can demote an employee, as long as the reason for the demotion isn't based on an ilegal reason such as discrimination. That doesn't sound like the case with you. Correct me if I am wrong.

[mvacas]

Ok I understand, it does have to do with discrimination (religion) but they reason why they want to do it is to upset me. Can they reduce my pay if they demote me?

[LConnell]

Yes, they can reduce your pay if the reason for the demotion is specifically because of your religion. In order to show discrimination, you will need to provide a direct link between their actions and your religious preferences. For example, if they say that they are demoting you because you are not in the same religion as they, it would be illegal. Or, even if it isn't as blatant but, instead, you have indications that they object to your religion, it may be a link.

However, keep in mind that if the same people hired you and then promoted you, it will be difficult to prove discrimination if your religion has not changed that time. The line of thought is that a manager would not promote someone for several years, giving them good reviews, in turn to demote them because of a discriminatory reason.