Hey all. I need advice as to whether what my organization is doing is legal.
A couple months ago my organization put in place a return to work, hybrid policy. I requested a work from home accommodation, which was denied, but my supervisor stated they'd be willing to have me on until they hired a replacement and possibly another 1-2 week extension. Thereafter I would be let go.
My organization has now hired my replacement and is set to start in a month. Today, I was informed that I would be moved from full time, salaried employee to part-time, 20 hours. Not much I can do about that as I am at-will. However, they told me I could either resign and be hired on as a contractor to “keep my benefits” or remain a salaried part-time employee with no benefits. I'm assuming they think I wouldn't know about how most health insurance companies give 30 day grace periods. It all seems very sus and like they are making me quit so that I do not qualify for unemployment. I'm not sure if this is legal or standard practice. There doesn't seem to be many laws on remote work.
For context, I am employed through an Illinois organization but now live in California.
Any advice would be sincerely appreciated.