Can an employer simply take away an employee's hours?

Questioner

At the company where I work there is a system update next Friday. Now this update is planned from 10am in the morning and will last the rest of the day. Now the staff is sent home from 10am and it has been mentioned that this will cost the staff their own hours, so free/holiday hours. The question is, can the employer simply take away the employee's hours? Another question is that even if you don't take a break, can an employer simply deduct 1/2 hour break per day from your hours? It is because my duties do not allow me to take a break. I would like to say that the company where I work does not have a collective labor agreement. I would like to hear from you thank you in advance

Lawyer

Dear, employees cannot in principle be forced by the employer to take vacation days at certain times. An exception to this is seen in (for example) construction, etc. It may be the case that, if there are important business interests, an employee must sometimes still agree to 'mandatory' leave. That situation does not seem to apply in the specific case. I would like to note that - even if no COA has been declared applicable - what is stated in your contract is also of great importance. As for your break, I would like to note that you are 'simply' entitled to a break, not giving a break is also in conflict with the Working Hours Act. If a break is withheld, but no break is given, you could file a wage claim. If you have any questions following my answer, you can of course always send me a message.