Boss Demands Employee Work Late Instead of Coworker Because Coworker Has a Child: 'The Child is 17-Years-Old.'

Advertisement
The boss informs the employee that he'll be working overtime today, even though he won't be paid for it, and that this arrangement wasn't discussed beforehand.

Am I the bad guy for getting into it with my boss this morning?

There is a huge event happening right after work today. It was technically on the office calendar, but my boss NEVER formally communicated that we were required to stay late
and work it. A coworker mentioned it to me yesterday, and when I asked if we had to stay, she said "idk." So, I was waiting for my actual boss. to tell me.
WHEN DOES SHE TELL ME? This morning, through text, while I am literally driving on my way to work in 90-degree weather telling me to bring a change of clothes.
When I got in, we immediately got into it. Her first reaction was to gaslight me and say, "Well, you must have me blocked or something." I told her no, I just don't glue myself
to my phone during my morning routine so I can make sure I'm on time for work. She literally chuckles and says, "Well then you just gotta learn self control."
Then she pulls the classic, "I told you guys weeks ago, it's on the calendar." Except she didn't. Because anytime there is an event, the burden of staying late falls exclusively on me.
The coworker who is currently on vacation? Excused. The other coworker? Excused because she "has a child to get home to." Y'all, THE CHILD IS 17
YEARS OLD. A literal near adult who drives and can stay home alone. I am so sick of the mentality that just because I don't have kids doesn't mean I don't have a life! |
have a husband, a home, and personal boundaries. If an event is mandatory, make everyone stay. Don't punish me because I don't have kids right now.
And here is the cherry on top, We don't get paid overtime. I am an hourly employee. Every single time I work an event, (and just me because it's always me) I have to practically
beg and fight her to actually put the hours on my paycheck, and she "forgets" every single time, so I eventually stopped doing events. Now she's forcing me to do this one.
completely last minute, completely for free, and telling me how I'm the one in the wrong!! Am I crazy for making a massive deal out of this?!
NEPAmama NTA, and it sounds like your department of labor/wages would have some choice words for your employer... what state do you live in?
Head_Razzmatazz7174 I agree. This sounds like a working event, not an office fun time. If you were told you have to work, you need to be paid. Have they had other 'working' events where you didn't get paid? That's wage theft.
facinationstreet You should have said that it is not possible for you to work the event because you were given no notice and you have previously scheduled personal plans. And you don't work for free.
Jynx-Online Unpaid work is called volunteering or slave labour. If it is voluntary, it isn't mandatory. If it is mandatory, it is paid... remind her that labour laws are fairly strict regarding modern slavery. NTA - not sure what country you are in, but discrimination due to childless status is still unlawful in the UK. It falls under the Equality Act.
crabby_playing NTA - Is there an HR office you can take all of this to? Sounds like a horrible boss and poor management. They can not make you work for free.
Klutzy-Peak1654 OP Unfortunately she's the only attorney here and she owns the business as well.
elramirezeatstherich If your boss is a lawyer you need to start using legalese she will understand, like WAGE THEFT, and discrimination based on family status. This is illegal and the only way workers will ever get more is by fighting and standing your ground.
doglady1342 I'm a former employer. I owned a business for 30 years before I sold it. It just amazes me how many business owners, whether the business is a one woman show or 500 people, have no clue about wage laws. Either that or they just ignore it figuring they'll never get caught. I really have to wonder what goes through people's minds. Yes, everybody wants to make a profit, but one should also be rewarding the people that help them profit. When should also be treating their employees like t

Tags

Scroll Down For The Next Article