For the past 3 years I have worked part-time at my job, 28 hours a week. But 7 months ago I asked to go down to 17 hours a week (weekends only) so I could be caregiver for my mom during the weekdays. It was approved and has been working out ever since. Just this week my employer tells me I have to go back to 28 hours a week because they lost an employee and I have to pick up the slack,which I can not do. Thank you
Who covers you over the weekends? Is there any possibility that that person could help?
In UK law - bear with me, I know it won't be the same - an employer is required to hear employees' requests and to meet their needs for flexible working as far as the business can accommodate them. But they're not *obliged* to, and that's in the UK/EU, and I would be astonished if US law was more family-friendly. So although it's always worth checking what your state says about this kind of thing, I'd be very surprised if you found out that the law was on your side and that your employer can't insist you re-increase your hours.
First of all, add up. Figure out what it is going to cost a) to provide additional care for your mother and b) for the business to let you go and hire a half-time employee to replace both you and the other person. See what sense you can make of the numbers, and then you'll be ready to negotiate with your employer. For example, if you scratch their back by agreeing to the increase, what (apart from the extra money earned) can they offer you? Or, if you've looked at it from all sides and you just can't see a way, will it make financial sense for them to let you go? Cash isn't the only factor: they won't want to lose an experienced, committed and loyal employee unless they have to, either.
And, as Geevesnc points out, do look ahead: is this a long-term change or a stop-gap until they have a chance to hire someone else?
Best of luck, and I hope you can find some way of making it work. Don't give up your job lightly.
They may not want to give up someone who covers every weekend however.
But as employers they need what they need to run their business; often their needs come first.