Nothing to do so...

[Coconut]

I don’t know if I am overreacting to this or not… please tell me if I am.

They have this thing at work now… where they make you clock out, “if there’s nothing to do.”

It has been really slow for us lately and we are getting very few hours. Today, I was only supposed to be there for four hours total. Well, hour #2, I was told to clock out and come back in an hour. They tried to play it off as a really long lunch… but an hour when I’m only there 4? Yea right.

I lost an entire hour. I’ve got bills to pay! Ugh.

So is this sucky of them? Or just an overreaction on my part?

[Millahtyme1983]

I don't think so at all. I don't know where you are or what the laws are but in Massachusetts if the store scheduals you for a particular shift then legally you are entitled to that entire shift, if they don't need you they can ask you to leave early or whatnot but they cant' tell you to. Even if that isn't the law where you are it cirtainly is bad practice. but of course your not a person, just a bunch of numbers representing money being spent.

[Knightmare]

If they told me to clock out for 2 hours on a 4 hour shift, I'd clock out, not come back until I work again, and go out looking for a new job.

[Fera Festiva]

It varies between countries (and between states if you're in the US, for example) but in a lot of places that's illegal. Is there a union rep or local employment advice centre you can ask? You could also check your contract.

Anyway, whether or not it's illegal it's certainly sucky. I feel bad for you, and I hope you can find a better job soon.

[Coconut]

Thanks for your responses. I was wondering about the legality of this myself. The more I think about it, the more it just doesn't sound right. I mean, the few times I've been asked to leave early, they've always "asked" me and never made me or told me to. This time, however, they told me to clock out.

I mean, is it really my fault that there was nothing to do that day?

They have really been tightening up on this since they apparently caught some people in violation of the clock (clocking in when they weren't even supposed to work, etc).

There is not any union for me to ask but I am definitely going to try find out more about this.

[Gurndigarn]

In most states, I belive, it's legal. It's certainly widespred, especially in foodservice. Another job is a good idea. Dropping a note* to your state representatives probably won't do much**, but it's worth a shot.


* Polite, logically reasoned, with just a hint of emotional content.
** And it won't do anything unless it's polite, logically reasoned, and possibly with just a hint of emotional content. You think we deal with sucky customers? Can you imagine what they put up with? There's a reason politics grinds up so many good men.

[stormtreader]

I was sure there was something about this as 'unpaid wait time' or 'compensable time' but couldnt find anything.
This site seems to have quite a few answers on this kind of stuff
http://www.laborlawtalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=12

[RentalRacer]

I would look for another job ASAP. If a company is trying that hard to save a little bit of $$ it won't be long before they either start "Voluntary" layoffs or go out of business all together.

[Coconut]

Unfortunately, I think I have found out this is legal in my state. Thanks so much for that link... I have some other concerns about my job I need to ask on there as well.

I am for sure looking for another job... I'm just being picky about it. I took this one because it was the first and fastest thing that popped open to me after college. I didn't really have much a choice as I needed a job fast.

They do a lot of things to us at work that I don't agree with. They keep a lot of people (including me) temporary by laying us off one week out of the year. Even though we work full time and overtime. Some people work 90+ hours a week (not required, but some want the hours). We don't have any benefits at all. NONE. Zippo.

Yea... I think a new job would be the best way to go.

[Rahmota]

Good luck on this coconut. i have to agree that the position you are in is rough. You might try calling the local dept of jobs or whatever they call themselves to make sure of any questions. But sounds like you're on borrowed time anyhow so good luck. I've been there too much. One reason I gave up and went to farming and hung my shingle out as an odd jobber.

[Joutei]

Where are you Coconut? This sounds alot like my last employer....

Just curious.

[CrazedClerk]

Here in Ontario, the minimum shift length you can be scheduled for is 3 hours.

Even though you can send an employee home after less than that, the law states that you are still required to PAY the employee for three hours worth of work even if he or she only stayed 45 minutes.