Do I HAVE to tell my boss??

iKapuniai

So, I live in Oregon... and I'm wondering... if I take a day off or have my coworkers cover my shift one day, and my manager asks me why... do I HAVE to give him a reason? Can I say it's personal? If I do say it's personal, can he fire me if I don't give him a legitimate reason? Are there any laws that cover something like this??

Thanks for any answers/advice/experience/whatever.

Love and Alohas,

Ihi

Pebble321

It probably depends on what your contract says and what the laws are in your part of the world.
In general I don't think you should have to provide specific information but your contract might state that paid days off are only for sickness or for carer's duties or similar.

_hi_hat3r_

Do you have any personal days to use? Can't really answer without knowing the attendance policy where you work.

alukima

I think it depends on the situation. If it's a last minute situation telling them the reason is just a courtesy. If you're telling them well in advance you should only need to tell him you need the day off.

iKapuniai

I don't get paid time off. This week I'm working 6 days straight because I'm covering another coworkers shift... but it's not in the same week, so it's not considered overtime, which makes it ok I guess. But it just burns me out having to work 6 days a week, so I asked 2 coworkers to cover my shift. One is going to cover 7a to 12p, and the other girl is covering 12p to 3p. My manager is upset that the second girl covering 12p to 3p, is also working the same night from 3p to 11p, which is an 11 hour shift. He says only he and HIS boss could ask an employee to work 11 hour days... and he says he expects an explanation from me prior to me taking my saturday shift off.

I just want the day off because I don't want to be burnt out. And as far as I know, MY only responsibility is covering my shift. I don't feel that I should have to justify why I'm taking time off, or give specific details.

Pebble321

In this situation, I don't think he should have to have a reason, but I think he would be justified in refusing to allow your co-worker to work an 11 hour shift, which might mean that you can't have the time off. Is there someone else who can cover you? Or, if he's a reasonable boss, then I would tell him that you dont want to work 6 days straight and would like to swap with someone.
If your work has a policy about shift length, then the co-worker shoud probably have refused.

_hi_hat3r_

Well it looks like you screwed yourself. You agreed to work for your Co worker which gave you a 6 day stretch. You made your bed now you have to lay in it. I don't blame your boss for being upset.

iKapuniai

In this situation, I don't think he should have to have a reason, but I think he would be justified in refusing to allow your co-worker to work an 11 hour shift, which might mean that you can't have the time off. Is there someone else who can cover you? Or, if he's a reasonable boss, then I would tell him that you dont want to work 6 days straight and would like to swap with someone.
If your work has a policy about shift length, then the co-worker shoud probably have refused.

I don't think there's an actual "policy" about working 11 hour shifts. There's been a few times where other employees have worked back-to-back shifts (16 hours), and the employee agreed to it. I figured as long as the other coworker agrees to work such a long shift, it shouldn't be an issue, especially if there's no shift length policy in the associate handbook.

Well it looks like you screwed yourself. You agreed to work for your Co worker which gave you a 6 day stretch. You made your bed now you have to lay in it. I don't blame your boss for being upset.

I only agreed to work because I was the only person who *could* cover his shift. The thought that I'd be working 6 days straight came after I agreed to cover his shift. Unfortunately, none of my coworkers are flexible to work anything other than what they're scheduled. I'm the only one with flexibility, and I don't think it should be so damned difficult to get a day off when *I* cover for everyone else and no one else can cover me... one of my coworkers called in twice this week, didn't bother to cover her shift, no doctor note or anything... and here *I* am, I HAVE covered my shift, which is my ONLY responsibility, and I get *kitten* for it. Why do I have to justify taking a day off? That's my question.

Pebble321

Sounds like a tricky situation. Being flexible and helping people out can backfire sometimes!
If you are really concerned, see if there is some kind of authority in your local area where you can call for advice - otherwise you might just have to suck it up this time.

Kari089

I only agreed to work because I was the only person who *could* cover his shift. The thought that I'd be working 6 days straight came after I agreed to cover his shift. Unfortunately, none of my coworkers are flexible to work anything other than what they're scheduled. I'm the only one with flexibility, and I don't think it should be so damned difficult to get a day off when *I* cover for everyone else and no one else can cover me... one of my coworkers called in twice this week, didn't bother to cover her shift, no doctor note or anything... and here *I* am, I HAVE covered my shift, which is my ONLY responsibility, and I get *kitten* for it. Why do I have to justify taking a day off? That's my question.

there's your answer to your boss-just word it a bit more diplomatically. you are being a team player and helping your co workers, now you would like to have some time off and would appreciate someone to help you out.

OpenHeaven

I live in Cali, so the labor laws may be different, but here, your manager is not allowed to ask why you want a day off, why you want to switch shifts, or why you are calling out for the day.

No matter what the laws are, you are NOT obligated to tell your boss exactly what you are doing - tell him that it is personal, and leave it at that!

2fit4fat

what are your state laws? And policies in the employee agreement. Here we have an "at will state" so if you xhosenot to answer u could get fired :-) really depends on the laws. You don't ever HAVE to say why..... you may have to i u want to keep that job though

Natx83

The issue may be in your industry policy/award about the shift time. Say that person hurts themselves and they get investigated and have to explain why the employee was working longer hours, just because they agreed to the shift doesn't make the employer any less liable in a court case etc.. One side of the coin anyways

ironanimal

It's probably due to increased liability because of them working more than they should. The problem here seems to be that you've swapped your shifts, not WHY you've swapped your shifts.

flagator11

The union contract where I work states that we get 3 personal days off per year, and that we do not have to disclose the reason for using it. But, any other pre-approved leave we use (vacation, floating holiday, comp, etc.) does require a reason to be given with the request.

chrishgt4

I think it comes down to the fact that your boss schedules when people are working, and it's not for you to rearrange other people's shifts.

You should ask your boss up front is it ok for you to ask someone to cover your shift and then it's up to him if he agrees to let you. You don't know what he has planned around certain members of staff being there.

If you want a day because you are ill then it's up to you how much information you give but just bear in mind how not going in will look and affect your employment.

HauteP1nk

At my work our boss isn't even allowed to ask for a Doctor's note for sick days. If our boss is concerned about the amount of sick days a person is taking then they must go through our HR department.

We are also given three personal days per year and we don't need to disclose the reason we are using them.

That being said, it depends on the work place as I know where my fiance works every time he takes a sick day they ask for a Doctor's note... As well, he has to give a reason why he is taking any time off.

cramernh

You definitely need to reread your employee handbook with regard to 'time off/requested days off"...

I can definitely understand why the managers are upset over you asking an employee to cover 12-3 when they are already scheduled 3-11. That probably puts them into overtime pay - and overtime might require management approval.

In the real world, it depends on the employee handbook that you read and signed, the laws to which govern where you are and whether or not you really want to keep this job and how flexible you are willing to be to follow those rules.

I live in New Hampshire - they can fire you for no reason whatsoever. Its extremely difficult to prove wrongful termination here.


Where I work (I work in healthcare), we have 'earned time'. Every pay-period (biweekly), we earn 8 hours of time off. So, each month I earn 16 hours to use for anything and everything. Sick time, personal time, inclement weather. Thankfully they pay us for holidays. If we are scheduled on a holiday to work (one that is not recognized and requires you to report to work), we get a holiday-differential rate (usually another 2.00/hr). All they ask is to give a two-week notice in writing that we need a day off. They do not require a reason when we give them a two week notice.

When they DO require a reason is when we are not following the two week notice rule, and it better be a good reason.

Our HR department reserves the right for medical-related absences to dictate when we can come back to work as well. If we dont have a formal clinician letter stating when we can come back, we DONT come back. Often times, we lose our jobs if we are unable to account for the time out.

Because you are making a last minute effort, from what you described in your post - you failed to address this concern with your manager - and in the circumstance you describe, yes - your managers have a right to know why. Its a last minute change that affects the shift, the employees, their ability to schedule, etc.

If you really want to keep your job, you will follow whatever rules you signed and agreed to following when you were hired.

TheRoadDog

Too many variables and not enought information, No personal/vacation time? Sick leave? Working retail? P/T or F/T?

I am also employed in Oregon. I do not give reasons for the personal time I take off, but I give advance notice. I seldom just wake up and decide to take that day off. The structure of my paid sick leave is liberal, so, if I did wake up and decide I had the Working Man Blues I might be able to call in "sick".

I'm guessing that you work retail and that your Manager/Boss sets a schedule every couple weeks. If that is the case, calling in and taking a last minute leave of absense (for whatever reason) is a scheduling nightmare.

You're only 25. "Burnt out" is not a reason to be undependable at work. It's motivation to pursue a career that you enjoy.

TheRoadDog

By the way. I wasn't picking on you. I have three daughters. I would tell them the same thing. And have.

StarvingDiva

It really depends on the laws in your area. But typically if you have the time available and get coverage you do not have to tell WHY you are doing it. It's just a "personal" day. At my old company sick and personal was just choice so it wasn't like you had to pretend to be sick to use a sick day.

jaimemariel

You're only 25. "Burnt out" is not a reason to be undependable at work. It's motivation to pursue a career that you enjoy.

This! Six days a week and you claim burnt out? That's life. And your boss may have plenty of reasons to not want you to rearrange the schedule (11 hours might give that employee overtime that the company didn't account for and cannot pay).

roachhaley

I don't get paid time off. This week I'm working 6 days straight because I'm covering another coworkers shift... but it's not in the same week, so it's not considered overtime, which makes it ok I guess. But it just burns me out having to work 6 days a week, so I asked 2 coworkers to cover my shift. One is going to cover 7a to 12p, and the other girl is covering 12p to 3p. My manager is upset that the second girl covering 12p to 3p, is also working the same night from 3p to 11p, which is an 11 hour shift. He says only he and HIS boss could ask an employee to work 11 hour days... and he says he expects an explanation from me prior to me taking my saturday shift off.

I just want the day off because I don't want to be burnt out. And as far as I know, MY only responsibility is covering my shift. I don't feel that I should have to justify why I'm taking time off, or give specific details.

There are laws in most places that state that if you work a certain amount of hours you HAVE to have a break (usually 1 hour). That is probably why he is mad. She won't actually be able to work both of those shifts non-stop unless she takes a break, which would mean they are down one employee for her break time.

Plus, if the coworker covering for you goes into overtime it is bad for the managers if they haven't planned it.

TrailRunner61

Whenever you take time off tell him it's 'women's issues', that usually shuts them right up. lol

ZebraHead

Under normal HR rules you don't have to provide an 'answer'. "Personal reasons" is the answer and they can not pry beyond that. You may have to explain to HR at some point.

Check the HR if your boss presses you, but he/she probably won't push the issue.

TheRoadDog

Whenever you take time off tell him it's 'women's issues', that usually shuts them right up. lol

I knew it!!!

SmexAppeal

All policy/contracts/rules aside... just make something up! He can't know the truth unless you tell it to him. Say you have to take a personal day because you have to go take your mother to the doctor or something. Or get a little crazy with it. I don't think you should have to tell him why, but if they insist, that doesn't mean you have to be honest :P

fbmandy55

Working in that kind of industry, working long shifts 6 or more days a week is the norm. I have friends who are waitresses or bartenders that work 4pm to 3am 6-9 days in a row. It sucks but they appreciate the day off they finally get even more, plus think of the money you will make!

I think in this case your boss is being reasonable and maybe you could trade that person for a different day off. I get 10 vacation days a year and this is the first time in 6 years that I am actually able to take a full week off for vacation. The only exception was when I had my son in 07' and took only 3 weeks off work, 2 paid with my vacation days and one week unpaid.

rileamoyer

There are more than one issue in your OP and not enough info. In the work world you need to look at the big picture and your company policies. A job is more than about your needs, it is about the needs of the business and your agreement to follow their guidelines. In my book - if it is not illegal or immoral you should strive to follow management's requests. A six day work week should not burn you out unless you are doing it over a very long time. Try working a 21 days 12 hr shifts commuting an hour and half each way while still nursing, then I might feel some empathy.

cramernh

There are more than one issue in your OP and not enough info. In the work world you need to look at the big picture and your company policies. A job is more than about your needs, it is about the needs of the business and your agreement to follow their guidelines. In my book - if it is not illegal or immoral you should strive to follow management's requests. A six day work week should not burn you out unless you are doing it over a very long time. Try working a 21 days 12 hr shifts commuting an hour and half each way while still nursing, then I might feel some empathy.

My longest work week was 47 days working two full time jobs and that included weekends, people who called out and they couldnt get anyone to come in to cover , I also covered for people such as yourself who wanted a day off against the rules for requesting that time off, and overtime was mandatory at one of the two jobs...

Ive worked two full time jobs for the last 18 years, now since having an empty nest (Im 37), I no longer have to work two jobs, I just have one.

I work 40 hours minimum. I have a 15 minute commute to the gym, I go to the gym every day at 4:30am workout for two hours, 20 minute commute to go to work, shower and change at work, work my shift, 20 minute drive home, get home to cook dinner, do laundry, prepare meals for the week, pack my gym bag, pack my work bag - AND, I also perform as a musician with two practices per week and multiple concert performances at night on top of everything I mentioned.


Six day work week is nothing... not unless you are going out every night, partying late, or out and about with friends every night, etc...

dovesgate

http://www.oregon.gov/BOLI/TA/T_FAQ_Taovrtim.shtml

Q. Are employees owed overtime after a certain number of hours worked in a day?
A. In most cases, no. Even an employee who works 24 hours in one day will be owed no overtime if he works no more than 40 hours in the workweek. Employees of manufacturing establishments must receive overtime after 10 hours in a day. Special overtime rules also apply to government agencies, canneries and some hospital employees. For more information see the Oregon Wage and Hour Laws Handbook.

Q. Is there a maximum number of hours employees can work during a day?
A. For most adult workers, there are no limits on daily work hours. Theoretically, employers may schedule employees to work seven days a week, 24 hours per day, so long as minimum wage and overtime laws are observed. Manufacturing employees are limited to 13 hours of work in a 24-hour period. There are also daily and weekly limitations on the hours minors (employees under 18) can work. For more information, see the Oregon Wage & Hour Laws handbook.

Q. Can I require employees to work overtime?
A. Yes. An employer may dictate an employee´s work schedule and hours. Employers may discipline or even terminate employees who refuse to work scheduled overtime. It is advisable to give employees as much advance notice of overtime requirements as practicable.


Unless you have a medical excuse I would work the 6 days. An extra day isn't going to hurt you, will pad your paycheck nicely, and will keep you employed.