4 Answers

I think your hours could have been reduced maintaining  your permanent status, that is your sick leave/rec leave entitlements and a casual staff employed to work the extra, It would very much swing on your award or workplace agreement, I would however be contacting your union for advice

He was within his right to do that  sorry but  business is business.

You are lucky to have a decent employer.  If you are not a Union worker, he could have fired you.

You can generally claim your lost time from the car owners Insurance company, however. IMO

I'm not an attorney but I played one, in summer theater, back in my college days  ;)

At my place of employment, if you are full time ,that is what you work. No restrictions are allowed.