Timeline for Work requires me to come in early to start computer but won't let me clock in to get paid for it
Current License: CC BY-SA 4.0
19 events
| when toggle format | what | by | license | comment | |
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| Apr 26, 2019 at 8:59 | comment | added | toto | You can also mention that it's not your fault that the computers take forever to boot and waiting time is part of work. Ask him to find an alternative - that doesn't break the laws... - like keeping the PC turned on overnight (maybe down on the weekends) or speed up the boot process with SSDs, it might be worth the investment depending on your hourly rate. | |
| Apr 26, 2019 at 8:39 | comment | added | Horkrine | Basically this answer. If you are being asked to come in early, chances are it's to complete some extra tasks (ie. to work). Whether that be prepare the working environment, check the coffee pot is full etc. It is still something you are being asked to do by your boss. You should be compensated for your time accordingly. You should not work for free - You are not a slave. | |
| Apr 26, 2019 at 8:16 | comment | added | Chris H | @HannoverFist It could well be a swipe-card system, no paper involved, just waving the employee ID in front of a reader. Some places tie that to shop-floor access doors but most don't because of laws around breaks. | |
| Apr 26, 2019 at 1:27 | comment | added | Nelson | @EdwinBuck Also note that bosses who do this probably have a lot of experience breaking the rules. Don't play the rule-breaking game with them; they'll win, and you'll lose. | |
| Apr 25, 2019 at 22:27 | comment | added | Rustler | Agreed that playing dumb is brilliant. You’re smart at all the things, but working for free is just something you can’t quite get through that thick head of yours. | |
| Apr 25, 2019 at 22:11 | comment | added | Reed Shilts | Like other comments - if you have a time card - two things: a) only YOU can clock-in and clock-out. Most companies have it as a fireable offense to have another person do this. b) when you arrive for work - you clock in. When you leave - you clock out. Hourly employees do not work "off the books" - the company can get into loads of trouble if the state found out. | |
| Apr 25, 2019 at 21:55 | comment | added | Azor Ahai -him- | @HannoverFist Who mentioned an IT shop? | |
| Apr 25, 2019 at 21:23 | comment | added | Hannover Fist | It might be a Catch-22. I couldn't clock in early - our time keeping is done on our computer. I would need to wait till my computer boots up and I log in. What IT shop has a actual time clock with paper time cards? | |
| Apr 25, 2019 at 21:02 | comment | added | SemiGeek | I can see intentionally disobeying your boss (clocking in earlier than when you start "actual work" according to his view) as setting a bad tone once the time is noted. | |
| Apr 25, 2019 at 20:44 | vote | accept | IamAPerson | ||
| Apr 25, 2019 at 20:08 | comment | added | Edwin Buck | @JoeStrazzere I think Keith's approach would probably yield the better results too. But again don't try to have this fixed by getting clocked out by someone else Bosses that break rules as fundamental as this one are inclined to break other rules, and being clocked out by someone else makes you liable. | |
| Apr 25, 2019 at 20:03 | comment | added | Edwin Buck | @brhans If delivered with the right tone, it can lend an air of professionalism. Delivered badly, it will have the opposite effect. I would hope that there's some superior you could bring this up with that would inform your boss that he's attempting to break the law, and would have enough realization that you'll need to be protected from retaliation. That said, it's still a risky proposition | |
| Apr 25, 2019 at 19:59 | comment | added | brhans |
Although I agree with the sentiment, the kind of boss who asks you to come in early but not clock in is unlikely to respond well to it is a job and not a hobby.
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| Apr 25, 2019 at 19:56 | comment | added | Edwin Buck | @IamAPerson Bosses ask for a lot of stuff, but he can't force you to come in early for free. If he threatens your job over this, I'd start with a phone call to the Ohio Labor Board, asking their advice. Note that once you make such a call, you can't unmake it. | |
| Apr 25, 2019 at 19:54 | comment | added | Keith | I would "play dumb". Act as if it's inconceivable that you'd actually do work while not on the clock. "But, boss....how can I come in to do work if I'm not clocked in?" | |
| Apr 25, 2019 at 19:47 | comment | added | Edwin Buck | Yes. If he wants you to come in, he's likely to want it enough to move your shift. If the clock doesn't permit that, just don't fall into the trap of "we'll just let you leave early and I'll punch you out" That's just full of all sorts of stuff that can come back to bite you. | |
| Apr 25, 2019 at 19:45 | comment | added | IamAPerson | no he specifically said to come in early to boot computers to be ready, but that I am not allowed to clock in until 9am. | |
| Apr 25, 2019 at 19:44 | comment | added | Keith | He may not have a time card, but have to punch a clock that may not allow him to clock in. In that case, I'd simply ask him "How do I charge my time for that?" | |
| Apr 25, 2019 at 19:42 | history | answered | Edwin Buck | CC BY-SA 4.0 |