Can an employer change the working hours of a part-time employee?

Verified 22 September 2023 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Yes, your employer may change your working hours if you work part-time.

However, this is possible if your employment contract on predicted or not.

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Your employment contract provides for the possibility of changing your working hours

If your employer wants to change your work schedule, they should notify you imperative within a specified time limit advance notice period.

This advance notice period may be fixed by collective agreement or by a company agreement. It is then at least 3 working days.

In the absence of a collective agreement or a company agreement, the period of notice shall be 7 working days minimum.

You can accept the change in your work schedule proposed by your employer.

If you refuse the change, you must inform your employer that the proposed change of schedule is incompatible with:

  • Either your family obligations (childcare for a single parent, need to assist a seriously ill or dependent family member)
  • Continuation of your studies (school or higher education)
  • The performance of an activity determined by another employer
  • Self-employment

The contract does not provide for the modification of timetables

If your employer wants to change your work schedule, they should notify you imperative within a specified time limit advance notice period.

This advance notice period may be fixed by collective agreement or by a company agreement. It is then at least 3 working days.

In the absence of a collective agreement or a company agreement, the period of notice shall be 7 working days minimum.

You can refuse your employer's request. Your refusal cannot be considered a fault. It cannot be grounds for dismissal.

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