2 Answers

As an HR Manager, I agree entirely with Jack. However, assuming you are in a non-union environment as most people are, let me reiterate, "management can do as it pleases" as Jack says. It is good business to follow a precedent set, but circumstances change and businesses have to change direction quickly and often to stay competitive. A company has no obligation to follow it's own precedent. (Example: If they gave everybody a raise last year, are they required to do so this year? No.)

Most employment laws are federal laws that apply to many employers. However, some states, such as California, have many state employment laws that apply to specific employment situations, such as minimum wages and overtime, discrimination, safety, etc. Employers are generally allowed to run their businesses as they see fit.