Work with no compensation?
 

Hey folks, :)

In a nutshell, we start work and getting payed for it at 8:00am.

The boss has been insisting that we be in the office no later than 7:40 so that we can go over the past days events, get our new assignments, gather the required materials and be out the door by 8:00am.

Again, the paycheck doesn't start till 8:00am.


This morning, I got to the shop at 7:40am and sat in the truck doing other stuff and actually walked into the office at 7:50am. The boss says on my way out that I'm expected to be in the office no later than 7:45. We're going to have to talk about this!


Know that this "Policy" has not been regular proceedure and has only come about in the last year or so. I confess, I've (like the other co-workers) have pretty-much had to just suck it up. Nothing is in print regarding this.

I confess there are other things regarding the boss that are bothering me for example: My starting compensation package included one week payed sick time off. Last year, the boss just up and said he's not gonna pay sick time any more. BAM! one week pay gone (assuming I take sick time off).


Am I out of line thinking the boss is out of line implying a scolding is mine if I'm late for no pay?

What say you?

Thanks. :)

I say, at the risk of sounding sarcastic, to be there no later than 0740 from now on or find another job. In this economy we're all lucky to HAVE jobs, if we have to be there 20 minutes early to keep it, so be it.

When I was running a six man crew for my excavation business, I required them to be at the yard or the job site, (whichever the case may have been at the time), 30 minutes prior to start time, check fluid levels, grease machines, get the days assignments if they didn't already know what they were doing, and address any problems or questions. I didn't give sick time either, tho I DID pay them when they were legitimately sick. I also gave vacation time and a few paid days off when they asked nicely in advance for them and I paid them to eat their lunches. I also let them take trucks/equipment home for their own projects on weekends and holidays.

I didn't think asking them to be there 30 minutes prior to start time was too unreasonable given the other 'perks' I gave them.

chaikwa.

depending how strongly you feel about it, consider calling the dept. of labor and ask them the rules. you should be able to do this without identifying the yourself or the company. at least you'll know where you stand. good luck

Many would enjoy working for you. :cool:


Going over the NC labor laws, he doesn't have to give breaks or lunch or vacation. He doesn't have to give payed sick-time.

He does have to compensate for all hours worked and if over 40 hours a week, it's time and a half. It's the law.

Walmart just had their behind handed to them over not paying their employees for work "Off the clock".

The boss is all about making money for the boss. I've no problem with that. That's why folks start their own businesses.

But when after five years of good performance, my so-called "Raises" amount to one dollar total, now minus the week payed sick time, the third week payed vacation after five years was given, . . . and recently revoked till ten years employ, expecting me to wash the company truck on my own time [yes, I drive the truck home, but that's in exchange for him not having to pay for my health insurance (I use the wife's)]. Then theirs the quality tools I purchase out of my pocket, use them exclusively on his job, wear out after years of use, and now he refuses to buy replacements when needed.

One of his latest gripes was; the used truck he bought for me to work out of, the rear brakes were found to be in need of replacement during a recent tire rotation. He's decided that rear brakes wore out way too early because I have too many tools.

I could go on . . . . . .

But you're right, If I don't like it, find another job.


>sigh<

I know. It sux to be 'stuck' in a job that delivers nothing but frustration. Been there, done that. It seems like a vicious circle sometimes. Just remember that things WILL get better. Probably not in this job, but there'll come a day when you get a really good job, and at that point you can tell this guy what you REALLY think of him and his cheap-butt company.

chaikwa.

When do I start?[laugh][coffee]

It could be worse. You could be working for the State of Pa. On July 1 the new budge wasn't passed. Now the State employees are working without being paid until the budget is passed. But get this the prisoners in the state prisons are getting paid but not the guards, along with the people on Welfare. Go figure. Keith

How is your relationship with the owner of the company? Maybe a discussion in private with him/her is in order. Do some searching here http://www.eeoc.gov/

You will have hours of reading, all this trumps state law.

Also if you need sick time you are covered under FMLA and there is not a thing your boss can do about it. You just have to state that you are taking time off, (partial day or several days) under FMLA. You can use your personal or accrued vacation time for compensation for time off under FMLA.

Hmmmmm....Working without getting paid eh?......Kinda like your duty's here at DTR huh? [laugh]

Nah, here's different. Y'all pay me no mind. ;)

Apparently treating employees decently is the wrong thing to do because I'm no longer in business. [laugh] Not that business anyway.

chaikwa.

I would continue showing up at 750. Make sure that you are ready to go to work for 8.
I use to work for a plumbing company that wanted us there no later then 745(perfer 730) so we could load up supplies and get our call sheets for the day. But would not pay that extra 15-30 mins a day. Just about everyone in the shop showed up at 730 to make sure they were ready.

Me I showed up at 750 got my parts and where I was going. Then I was off to do the job. On the road by 8 or shortly there after if I had to wait on the parts guys.
The boss pulled me aside and asked why I couldn't come in early to make sure I was ready to go for 8. I told him if I got hurt in his shop prior to the regular work day for which we were paid (proof would be the regualr pay stubs we got) I would not be covered by workers compensation and there for would have to sue him for compensation. The same goes for all the other employees who showed up early to be ready to drive out the door for 8.
He looked at me and then said well I perfer if you show up brior to 8 but fair enough.
It did not count aganist he actually broght the issue up with his bosses and insurance.

Good luck, it is a hard one to justify. I would sit down and lay it out for him. He is geeting lots fo free time out of his guys, but does he give any freebees back?

That's the key right there. I'd have no problem asking them to come in 20 to 30 minutes early with no pay, but I couldn't do that without giving SOMETHING back at some point. One hand washes the other, but that's something a lot of employers seem to conveniently forget.

chaikwa.

Id feel for ya, but Im salary exempt.

Dang and I have kin in Kalamzoo!