‘I'm essentially working for free’: Coworkers push part-time bank employee to stay after their scheduled hours, even though their boss does not pay them overtime for the labor

Author image for Lana DeGaetano
Lana DeGaetano • "Show me to me please."
Sep 19, 2025 1:00 PM EDT

Wage theft happens way more than members of the workforce realize, and all it takes is one look at a timesheet or paycheck to figure out if your employer is trying to pull a fast one on you. Sometimes, it's not even your employer—it's your coworkers taking advantage of you, who might not know any better. This recently hired employee began noticing that they weren't being paid for staying at work after their scheduled hours, and their coworkers insisted that this is how things are in the company. Nobody likes a snitch, but this employee should be getting paid for their time. So, it's probably time to take this information to the boss. Even then, I wouldn't hold my breath if I were the employee…

It's common knowledge that companies try to milk as much output out of their employees for the least amount of money. Companies that value their employees' time and exhibit this through fair pay are the exceptions, not the rule. Now, the coworkers in this story might very well be voicing the status quo at the bank that employs them, but it's always safe to receive confirmation from a higher-up. If the sentiment still stands, the employee should quit yesterday.

Advertisement
  • "So I'm wondering 11 12/ why is that legal? If 1 10 it is even legal?" 9 8 76 5 2 4. 3
    via wang binghua for Unsplash

  • "When I leave later than scheduled they don't pay me the extra."

    So I recently started working at a bank as a teller because I need accounting experience.
    via Hot-Measurement0
  • The first pay period has passed and I realized that a few times I've clocked out later than scheduled. For example, 5:57 and I was scheduled till 5:30.
    via Hot-Measurement0
  • Instead of putting in when I clocked out they put in 5:30. They said it's because we don't get overtime. I am currently part-time so I don't even get 40 hours, I get around
    via Hot-Measurement0
  • 28 hours. So technically I thought over time would be 40 plus hours but I'm not even above 30. I asked my coworkers and both of them told me that it's because we don't get
    via Hot-Measurement0
  • overtime in that. My boss. has to put it in as 5:30. I said can I leave once 5:30 happens they said no you have to help out. They also said it's because everyone
    via Hot-Measurement0
  • else is working full-time so that would essentially put our branch in overtime. So I'm wondering why is that legal? If it is even legal? Because I'm essentially working for free in my head.
    via Hot-Measurement0
  • blank paycheck that reflects a lower wage than expected
    via Money Knack for Unsplash
  • To add also, I was originally scheduled around 36 hours and I told them I need less than 30 because I have school and I need to focus on that instead. So technically they have the hours since it was given to me.
    via Hot-Measurement0
  • EDIT: I did not speak to my boss about it and just asked my coworkers about it, one being a teller who's been there for 4 years and
    via Hot-Measurement0
  • the other being a relationship banker. I assume my boss would say the same thing because when I was getting hired she kept
    via Hot-Measurement0
  • putting emphasis on that we help each other out. I agreed because I thought it was mainly for when someone calls out. Also
    via Hot-Measurement0
  • my boss is there when we close and sometimes she will say I can go home at 5:30 if the others done need me. My boss is also
    via Hot-Measurement0
  • newer to the branch so it seems like they have been doing this already if the others don't see a problem with it. I will talk to my boss about it next time I work.
    via Hot-Measurement0
  • orcateeth Who is telling you to stay late? It needs to be your boss, not your coworkers. Your boss is the only one that you should be taking orders from. Sometimes coworkers are overstepping their role.
    via orcateeth
  • If the boss instructs you to stay past 5:30, he/she has to pay you. You can contact your labor board for wage theft complaint. But be forewarned: This could get you in trouble or even fired, if they get mad at you for reporting them.
    via orcateeth
  • Wolf-Pack85 They need to pay you for the extra hours. I would contact your local labor board. But going forward, clock out and leave right at 5:30. If anyone says anything I would tell them "they don't pay me to stay after 5:30 and I will not work for free".
    via Wolf-Pack85
  • Aggressive-Kick-5458 What they are doing is called wage theft and is illegal in many places. I don't know if there's some sort of labor board you can report them to but nobody should be working for free.
    via Aggressive-Kick-5458
  • DigbyChickenZone Yes, it is illegal (time theft) for your supervisor to edit your time cards like that. You can't be required to be working while also be required to be off the clock. They can tell you that overtime is not allowed, but that means you are required to clock out and leave, not that you have to clock out and stay.
    via DigbyChickenZone
  • You need to clarify what state you live in. This is also something that you may get better advice about [if you note your general location/state] on r/legaladvice Be forewarned if you put your foot down about this, you may be fired. You would have to consult an attorney for wage theft and retaliation if that happens.
    via DigbyChickenZone

Want More? Follow Us and Add Us as a Preferred Source on Google.

Tags

terrible coworkers boss workplace-stories toxic-workplace bosses work coworkers reddit story horrible-management workplace Horrible Bosses reddit thread bad bosses toxic-work-environment
Scroll Down For The Next Article