I need y'alls opinion on something (work related)

[C. Harlan]

Hey y'all out there in TDR land... I have an issue at work, and it goes like this:



I work the second shift from 4PM-12:30AM as a mechanic trainee. Well, Tuesday I go to take a test, for a Lineman Trainee Position, and have to be there "No later than 7:15 AM". No big deal, but I talked to my unit supervisor, and was told that I will not be able to leave early, in order to obtain my 8 hours minimum rest. . What makes me mad is that I will be there from 7am-12pm, testing, along with other people as well; however they will be able to write it off on their timesheets as a TESTING pay code. I was told that since I work evening, despite the fact it IS work related, that I will have to attend the testing, then report to work till 12:30 AM... I feel this is unfair treatment, and I am considering getting the union representatives involved in this matter. . Why can't I take my test, use the TESTING pay code, go take my test for 5 hours, then go to work for the remaining 3??



I talked to Human Resources on this matter, however they never returned my call. I need y'alls input on this matter, just to make sure I am not blowing this out of proportion.



Thank You guys



-Chris-

 

[moparguy]

| Home | Mark Forums Read | Log Out |

| User CP | Search | New Posts |





Chris, from the read of your situation, you're fairly young, without a lot of time on the job. That being said, my advise is just "Suck it up", and do what your supervisor has asked.



The reason being that in the big picture of life, it's not a big deal. Sometimes making waves to correct a wrong can have far reaching and unintended consequences.



When you've made lineman, (and if it's still important to you) wouldn't hurt a thing to ask the supervisor why he handled things like he did.



As someone who was in management for a long time, I can tell you that being branded as petty or a troublemaker ( regardless of the truth involved, perception is reality) is the last thing one needs as you try to move up the ladder and progress in the workplace.



Good luck, don't let small minded people limit your potential.



RR

 

[jmeehan]

You could always quietly ask the union rep what the rules are for your situation.

Maybe they can't spare you on the night shift.

If others are getting paid for testing it sounds to me like you'll be due five hours OT after you test and work your regular shift.

 

[C. Harlan]

See, that is what I am getting at. . I should be compensated, either with overtime, or hours off, being that everyone else will be paid to take the test. It is only fair. I am not trying to be a trouble maker, however they do need to make it fair for all, and not discriminate against the night shift. know what I mean? I hope I am making sense. Anyways, thanks for the replies, and keep them coming!



-Chris-

 

[mgoncalves]

Wow, you'd really hate where I work :-laf







Are you willing to test for five hours for free if it means a better job? If so, don't raise to much noise about it, or it will bite you in the rear down the road.

 

[jwilliams3]

If mechanic trainee is any indication of you being on some sort of "new hire" position than suck it up.



If you have time with the company, definitely talk to your shop steward or area rep.



Alot of times Supervisors will try to pull the wool over your head just to support their own cause or whatever.

 

[TowPro]

I would suck it up, go and take that test and make sure I pass.



It sounds like the test might be your ticket out of night shift (I don't think there are night shift linemen?). Your night time supervisor is mad because this probably happens all the time, new hires come in and get put on night shift, then first chance they get they jump to daytime (who can blame them). The problem is night time supervisor keeps getting stuck breaking in new guys all the time who test out and get better jobs.



Take the test, pass it and move on. your probably better off in the long run.

 

[Wayne M.]

Best scneario, you'll win the battle but not the war. It'll be a war if you persist. Seems to me that they have you on a day tour to test, and they are writing off the remainder of the shift after you've finished the test, then they are gonna float you around until you get back to the mid- shift.

I spent more than 10 years putting up with shiftwork and I never got any relief, no matter what I did. I constatntly lost the 8hr rest when I left the 2P-10:30P and had to be back for 6A the next morn. This happened qutie often and was considered a non issue.

If this is the only time they are bugging you- let it go!

Pass the test and get promoted! I'm suprised the test is not on a day off, all mine were.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

As someone who was in management for a long time, I can tell you that being branded as petty or a troublemaker ( regardless of the truth involved, perception is reality) is the last thing one needs as you try to move up the ladder and progress in the workplace.

Why is it that people can't handle the truth? Why are people that speak up when something is amiss labeled as being troublemakers? Shouldn't every worker be allowed to speak his mind?



If you want to be a good little corporate 'yes man', a certain level of ignorance and complacency is your goal. How is that productive? The good workers that genuinely want to make things right, get promoted less often than the brown-nosed slackers. Nice. I've personally seen that happen a few times now.



It seems to me that the higher on the corporate ladder you climb - the number of 'liars' you are surrounded with and your own level of ignorance increases significantly. That's a situation I'd like to avoid.



I've learned over my few short years in the corporate world that some battles are just not worth fighting. I still can't justify being a 'yes man' for a promotion - that's not going to happen. It's all a big farce... a sick and twisted game fueled by greed.



Matt - venting about life in 'high tech' cubicle land

 

[catoiler]

Matt,I could not have said it better myself!!I am so sick of the brown noser's at my work getting promoted that do not have any clue what they are doing,all the while the guys that work their butts off and know their job inside out go nowhere!!

 

[moparguy]

Matt, to steal a saying a co-worker used "Never said it's right, that's just the way it is".



And now Forrest Gump, "That's all I have to say about that"



Good Luck,



RR

 

[Shrimpy]

Sorry, can't help you Chris. But Take Holeset's advice to heart. What he said is 100% true. It took me about 4 years to figure out that my direct supervisor was sabatogeing me behind my back for things I brought up to him. I was severely corrected for going outside the Chain of Command for a VERY minor detail that involved no one else, was not pay related or asked for no time off. From that day forward, he aired every issue I brought up to him to anyone who would listen. After several missed opportunities, despite glowing reviews, I was finally able to figure things out.



I will NEVER, EVER kiss someones ***** to get ahead in Corp. America. Sacrificing My personal integrity is not worth it. I wish I would have started working for myself much earlier, it is much more rewarding.



Jim

 

[DKayser]

Hey y'all out there in TDR land... I have an issue at work, and it goes like this:



I work the second shift from 4PM-12:30AM as a mechanic trainee. Well, Tuesday I go to take a test, for a Lineman Trainee Position, and have to be there "No later than 7:15 AM".



-Chris-

Chris, where I work, they limit our bidding on new positions. I. E. we have to finish one training program before we start, or transfer to another. If we bail on one, we cannot bid another, or rebid the original for six months. Not sure, but maybe this is why your supervisor is not being ok with the time off deal. Our company does pay for on site testing, and does reschedule us to permit it. They are fairly flexible, but do have a line in the sand we can`t cross. I would approach the union rep, & sound him out quietly to see what can be done for you. But as someone here already said, choose your battles carefully. Some are not worth the blood you lose. Don

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

Chris, as I have never kissed a** for anything and have always questioned everything I didn't feel was right, in your situation I have to tell you not to follow that advice. Like said above, suck it up, take that test(pass) and move on. Being a Journeyman Lineman myself, I know what's involved in this whole process and alot of it is bulls**t. You don't have to kiss a**, just do a good job. When you top out and become a Lineman, all the power will be in YOUR hands. Good luck Chris, Mike

 

[HoleshotHolset]

I will NEVER, EVER kiss someones ***** to get ahead in Corp. America. Sacrificing My personal integrity is not worth it. I wish I would have started working for myself much earlier, it is much more rewarding.

EXACTLY! Me neither, man. Now - about that whole self-employed thing... someday it'll happen; hopefully before retirement age.



In the end, there aren't many of us in cubicle land that are being treated badly. Sure, there are times that you want to drive your truck through the server room and screech off towards the setting sun, but there aren't many jobs out there that don't provide opportunities for temporary insanity. Moving to WI helped out a ton - out here, everything is so easy going and I'm surrounded by the things I love (my future wife, friendly folks, tractor pulls, beer, Ag. , etc. )



The brief periods of mindless bologna are outweighed by a decent living and great benefits. My old Mgr that I never got along with said something I'll never forget: "We do it for our families. " I was only 23 when I heard that but it resonated and was permanently written to my memory.



Matt

 

[Shrimpy]

Exactly Matt!!!!! What really frustrates me is, I feel like I "play by the rules" in all of my dealings. Whether personal or Work related, I strive to treat everyone with dignity and respect.



I realize that in every "JOB", someone has to have the final say on issues, and that person is called the Boss, Manager, Supervisor ect. But when someone asks me, in a professional work related conversation, my opinion on something at work and I give them an honest assesment that does not fit their pre-determined scenerio, they freak out. I DID NOT seek this person out to TELL them my opinion, they asked me, or it came up in a meeting.



I do not deliver these remarks in a rapid fire assualt on the person. I prefer to ask questions, most of the time MANY questions, and lightly suggest maybe another approach may be appropriate. If I feel unable to give an opinion, I will be the first to say so.



Back to C. Harlen: Tough spot Chris. Do what they want, then try to "get the time back" at their expense. Remember, a bad day on the river/lake is always better than your best day at work... ... .



Jim

 

[REFLOYD]

well i would just take the test and not worry about. it will end up getting you much better things in the long run so you have to deal with tthe lack of sleep so what. I am in the Marine Corps and I deal with the lack of sleep almost on a daily basis.

 

[TowPro]

I re-read the original post. I would not question a thing.



I would work my shift tonight, go home (or where ever), then come back for the test tomorrow morning. . Once your done the test, go home (or where ever) then show up for work again that night.



When its time to hand in the time card, put the 5 hours "testing" on your time card. Fed law requires them to pay you for every hour you work. You should end up with 5 hours overtime.



Good luck on the test, it could be your ticket away from that boss that is giving you a hard time.

 

[C. Harlan]

I took the test, and feel good about it. . I did 54 out of 69 questions, and we were told they grade us only on the ones that we complete. . All the math I felt good about, because my answers matched one on the multiple choice answers. . I ran out of time, and only completed 18 of 33 problems. . The other test was Reading Comprehension. . I aced that, I have always been a good reader, and that one was no match for me. . I completed all 36 problems in the time alotted. . Now, I just have to sit tight and wait for a letter, saying I either passed or I did not... I will keep y'all posted, so keep your fingers crossed for me-- I need this job transfer.



I was told I could not charge time yesterday for testing... That I would just have to bite the bullet for that time... I was driving home last night, and nodded off at least once, because I remember driving braile by accident. . very dangerous. . Anyways, I just wanted to keep everyone informed, and will get an update out as soon as I hear something! Thanks for all the replies!



-Chris-

 

[SHobbs]

In my job we are tested all the time and the company has to let us off early for rest. I work for Union Pacific and when we take tests it is considered as being on duty and we have to be legally rested for it. If the test is at 7am you will be off at 11pm. They also have to pay us 8hrs time for taking the test.