Add Comment Question: I have been employed for over 10 years in the company I work for. For the past 7 years, since 2018, I have been employed as a manager within the company. We are not unionized. I am 50 turning 51 in August. The associate owner that hired me in 2018 as manager gave me paid breaks where I do not need to punch in or out, only for the start of my shift and the end of my shift. In 2022, a new associate owner took over and I’ve been paid in the same manner with paid breaks until recently my employer told me I need to punch in and out for breaks. My breaks are no longer paid which results in a decrease of a little over 6%. Which is a difference of $3,800 per year. Answer: Hello, A change in hours or compensation can amount to a constructive dismissal, but only if the change amounts to a substantial change to your terms of employment. A constructive dismissal is when an employer has not officially terminated you, but they have reasonably demonstrated that they no longer wish to employ you, and are trying to force you to quit or to take a substantially different role. In such cases, you can quit and pursue your full severance. Generally, when compensation is concerned, the change must be of at least 10% less pay to amount to a constructive dismissal. If the change in compensation is part of a series of changes or events that can reasonably lead to a finding that the employer no longer wishes to employ you, then this may also qualify as a constructive dismissal. You have not discussed with us that there were any other changes other than the loss of your paid breaks which resulted in a 6% reduction in pay. In this case, the change to compensation alone would likely not rise to the level of a constructive dismissal. Your options are therefore limited. The employer can make changes to your working conditions that are not substantial. You could always quit in protest but you could not pursue your severance package. Regards, Lluc Cerda Lawyer Your Comment * Your Email * Your Name * Your City Note, your name, city and email is not displayed on the website. It is used to notify you that we have approved your comment.