I work for a faily large body shop that has all four estimators on a set salary. As of 01/02/08 we are told we have to go to hourly rate. And was told it will be calculated by our old salary for 12 months divided into hours. We also currently get no vacation... my question is one of several for one, are we due any sick time or vaction time? Can they demand no overtime be worked? Do we have to convert to hourly pay? And last, what is the advantage to this company to switch us to hourly?

1. Unless there is a contract or union agreement, yes a company can change your pay as they desire.

2. there is no legal requirement to give you vacation pay or paid time off.

3. yes, they can make a rule that there is no overtime. They can set your hours.

4. if and when you take off they don't have to pay you for the full week.
Also there are min requireements as to how much has to be paid to be hourly, so if you were under that amount it would mean they would have to pay over time.