Conflict of Interest being Actor/PT Job

[BHAussie]

State: California

I was meant to be working as an extra (tv show) through my extras casting agency and the location for the shoot is also where I work part-time.

I made full disclosure to both the agency (after the assistant director for the production approached me at my workplace) and to my workplace.

I made arrangements with my employer not to schedule me that day as they instructed me to, as they said I could do it just not whilst being scheduled to work that day as they believed it was a "conflict of interest" to work and be an extra. Now they have changed their mind and will not allow me to perform as an extra at my workplace (even though I do not work my normal part-time job that day).

Please advise whether they can require me not to perform my extra's work (whether there is a conflict of interest or otherewise) and thereby fire me (my employment is at will - tho I have kept a recorded phone message advising me of the change in decision from my manager).

The shoot (could be my big break, maybe not too, but...) is for tomorrow and I was notified this afternoon, so Urgent please!

CheersWhat is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[cbg]

Yes, they can legally object to your working as an extra on TV.

It is your choice what to do tomorrow. But IF you take the work as an extra AND IF they then terminate you, it will be legal.

 

[BHAussie]

Thankyou for your reply.

Just wondering if it actually comes down to being a "conflict of interest" and if so, is there a requirement for that conflict to be harmful and to what degree does that conflict need to be harmful, as I find the situation absurd (position is in concierage and only background acting - no lines)?

I have worked previously with the IRS and a job as a tax consultant on the side I see provides a conflict, but this...

 

[cbg]

There is no legal definition of "conflict of interest" and no laws limiting what an employer may consider one. If they think it's a conflict of interest, then it's a conflict of interest.

There isn't any law that says, you can only fire an employee for a conflict of interest if you suffer x degree of harm from it.

It's a shame they are not willing to work with you on this but they are within their rights.